DEVELOPING: HMRC to Immediately Review Thousands of Suspended Child Benefit Payments

Breaking News: HMRC to Review Suspended Child Benefit Payments The UK's tax body, HMRC, is immediately reviewing its decision to suspend child benefit payments for approximately 23,500 claimants. The review comes after widespread complaints that the benefit was stopped after claimants went on short holidays abroad. HMRC has acknowledged errors in its process, apologizing to those whose payments were suspended incorrectly. The tax authority has taken immediate action to update its process, giving claimants a month to respond before payments are suspended. The issue arose after HMRC used travel data to determine that claimants had left the country permanently. However, many claimants were stopped from receiving their benefit after short trips abroad, sparking concerns that the process was too aggressive. A government spokesperson has stated that the majority of suspensions are accurate, but those who believe their benefits have been stopped incorrectly should contact HMRC. The review is a response to demands from MPs on the Treasury Select Committee for answers from the tax authority. HMRC's updated process aims to provide more clarity and fairness in the suspension of child benefit payments. This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.