Paymaster General Dawn Primarolo has written to ombudsman Ann Abrahams indicating that she intends to try to get back 1.9bn in overpayments. Those who can prove they could not have 'reasonably' been expected to recognise an error will not be pressed for repayment.
In a damning report earlier this year the ombudsman had argued that writing off repayments caused by errors in the first two years 'would be a sensible and proportionate response to the situation and would give much needed relief to people who have been caused considerable distress and hardship'.
The impact of the policy has already been felt by nurseries where parents facing demands for repayments have reduced the hours their children spend in childcare. Nursery owners are also reporting rising levels of non-payment, with parents citing the tax credit fiasco as a reason for them not having money.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
