Clause 29 - Incorrect statements etc.
Tax Credits Bill
5:45 pm
Mr Paul Boateng (Financial Secretary, HM Treasury; Brent South, Labour)
I wonder if I might take this opportunity to put a point on the record about interest on overpayments. It is of interest to those who observe our proceedings and to those who subsequently read the record. My comment has a direct bearing on the debate on clause 29, and I would
have made it then, Mr. Beard, if you had not given me an opportunity to do so now.
It would be our intention to seek interest only if the overpayment arose because of fraud or neglect. The hon. Member for Northavon would have pressed the matter to a vote even if I had mentioned that earlier. I could see him working himself up to pushing for a vote. However, it is important that the record should be clear: people who receive overpayments in the circumstances that we described and receive notice of overpayment due after the 30-day period will not have to pay interest if they do not pay immediately or if they pay over a period of time.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 28 ordered to stand part of the Bill.