Bracknell Mum Gets Child Benefit Reinstated

A mum from Bracknell has been paid back after her child benefit was cut by the government following a trip to Morocco with her son.

A mum from Bracknell, Priscilla Holness, 51, recently had her child benefit reinstated after it was cut by the government following a trip to Morocco with her son Mason.

The duo celebrated their birthdays with the trip last year, but over a year later, Priscilla's weekly child benefit of £26.05 was suddenly halted.

Both passports were stamped on their way to Morocco and upon returning to the UK, which highlighted the absurdity of the situation. After her story gained attention, HMRC repaid her the owed amount of £182.

Since September, over 23,000 families have faced government scrutiny to tackle suspected child benefit fraud, particularly targeting those abroad who continue to claim. The government aims to save £350 million over five years through this crackdown.

HMRC is using international travel data to identify any wrongful claims, but some legitimate ones, like Priscilla's, have faced suspension.

A spokesperson for HMRC stated, "We’re very sorry to those whose payments have been suspended incorrectly," and assured that processes are being updated to prevent this in the future. They will now give claimants a month to respond before suspending payments.

Families can receive up to £1,354.60 annually for a single child, with benefits increasing based on the number of children. The claimant, who must be the main caregiver, is the only person eligible to make a claim.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter