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HMRC childcare service compensation for technical failures 24 August 2017
If you’ve been unable to access Tax-Free Childcare through your childcare account for technical reasons, you may be able to claim compensation.
Since the Childcare Service went live in April there have been numerous reports that experiences of using the website have thrown up many challenges and frustrations and indeed earlier this month Nicky Morgan, chair of the Treasury Committee, wrote to HMRC requesting answers about the disappointing performance of its Childcare Service website. HMRC has recognised the disruption and inconvenience that the issues have caused to some parents and are offering compensation through a government top-up as a one-off payment for Tax-Free Childcare. You may be eligible for these payments if you’ve: been unable to complete your application for Tax-Free Childcare been unable to access your childcare account not received a decision about if you’re eligible, without explanation, for more than 20 days.
HMRC will also consider refunding any reasonable costs directly caused by the service not working as it should, mistakes or unreasonable delays.
For full details on how to apply for compensation visit GOV.UK .
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Scotland’s fiscal position improves and tax revenue grows 24 August 2017
Scotland’s First Minister said that Scotland’s economy remains strong and in the last quarter, the economy grew nearly four times faster than the UK and the number of people in employment is at a record high.
The latest Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland ( GERS ) figures show Scotland’s fiscal position improved in 2016-17.
Overall, the notional deficit fell by £1.3 billion in 2016-17 to stand at 8.3% of GDP. Onshore revenues increased by £3.3 billion (6.1%) between 2015-16 and 2016-17 – the fastest increase since current records began in 1998-99 – while North Sea revenue also grew.
Speaking while visiting business start-up Aquila Biomedical, based at Edinburgh BioQuarter, Nicola Sturgeon said:
“These figures reflect Scotland’s finances under current constitutional arrangements. However, they show that our investment in key industries – such as the life-science sector – is providing a real boost to our onshore economy. By continuing to invest in key sectors, we will ensure Scotland remains a productive and competitive country. The lower oil price had an impact on North Sea revenues and the wider economy last year. However, it is encouraging to see an improvement in the overall fiscal balance and that onshore revenues grew at their fastest rate in nearly twenty years. However, our long-term economic success is now threatened by Brexit, which risks reducing household incomes, employment and funding for public services. That is why we continue to press for the Scottish Government to have a direct role in Brexit negotiations.”
View the Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland report
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