Sun, 09 Nov 2025

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 HMRC to review suspending 23,500 child benefit payments

The tax body had used travel data to conclude that thousands of parents had left the country permanently but many say they just went on holiday.

* The UK's tax body, HMRC, is reviewing decisions to stop child benefit payments from 23,500 claimants after it used travel data to conclude they had left the country permanently.
* Many people affected complained that their benefits were stopped after a short holiday abroad.
* HMRC has apologised for any errors and says anyone who thinks their benefits have been stopped incorrectly should contact them.
* The government is reviewing all cases, aiming to complete its review by the end of next week.
* MPs on the Treasury Select Committee are investigating.
* HMRC's new system comparing records with Home Office international travel data was introduced in September as part of a crackdown on child benefit fraud, which it believes could save £350m over five years.
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