Tax Credit Casualties (TCC) should win this award because they provide a service that no one else can or will. When the Government and the system fail individuals on low incomes, TCC are there to help.

TCC provide a website full of information. From the front page it is clear and straightforward to find the information needed - from a step by step guide to fight an overpayment case, to template letters, to information on the campaign. If you can't find the information needed there are links to email addresses, the forum and telephone numbers as the National Coordinators are always willing to talk to victims and over help and support.

TCC also provide a lively forum where support can be found from others in similar situations and information can be requested. There is even a light relief area where you can usually find something to make you smile.

TCC provide information, support and guidance free of any charge. The internet means that costs can be kept to a minimum yet information can quickly be circulated to a wide group of members.

Whilst the core work of TCC is undertaken by a small number of individuals, consultation of the wider membership is frequent and members are, through email and the forum, able to give their input into projects and campaign work. TCC is democratic and all members are entitled to a say in how the campaign progresses and to be as involved as much or as little as they wish.

Nominated by Sarah McCall, 05 May 2008

It would be simpler and easier to just say "Visit the site" Since describing what they are doing, who ( and how many) they are affecting, and the sheer injustace of that to which these people have fallen victim would take up more than the allowable number of words in this form.

Nominated by D Jolley, 08 May 2008

They are unique in what they do, and have helped very desperate people once again face life and gain a measure of justice in a previously impossible situation. The website is a treasure trove of helpful, informative information and the produce of hours of dedicated work by Paula Dean, leader of TCC, and our astounding Webmaster, G. Backed by the indomitable Sarah and others, this site deserves to win this Award.

Nominated by Ali Myers-Ward, 12 May 2008

TCC’s use of new media? A newly redeveloped website, dedicated site and forum managers, an online and downloadable complete guide to disputing, template letters, a telephone / email / fax / instant messenger / in person support and advisory service, jargon busters, public meetings, parliamentary contacts, emailed and posted newsletters, guidance on democratic empowerment, personal skills support, published research, online petition, email contact with all MP’s, national partnership working, open access and global membership, a lively and informative forum, internet donations facility, instructional and humorous YouTube videos, MySpace and FaceBook pages, TCC FM, comic books, campaign card competitions, t-shirts for sale, their own poet laureate, the only thing left to do is release a record … wait a minute .. They already did http://www.taxcc.org/youtubevideos.htm ;-)

Nominated by Claire Hyland, 14 May 2008

The folks behind this site have given me hope and support. Without their devoted campaign and support I may well have gone mad.

Submitted by Red Rocket, 05 May 2008

Words cannot express the gratitude i fell towards the people behind this site.

Submitted by D.Shaw, 05 May 2008

This web site gave me hope when I found it because I realised at last that I was not alone in my dispute against the monolith that is HMRC. Out of the blue it had demanded repayment from me of £2500, which it claimed was an 'overpayment' paid to me more than three years previously. With the help of this website and the great people who run Tax Credit Casualties I discovered that the error was completely the fault of HMRC. There was no way I could have known about it. I am still fighting my case. The Tax Credit system is a shambles of which Gordon Brown should be thoroughly ashamed.More than 2 million of the 6 million people entitled to Tax Credits are overpaid each year. Tax Credit Casualties offers help and support to any of these people who contact it and all on a voluntary basis!

Submitted by auntieh, 05 May 2008

The amazing women behind this website/campaign deserve to be knighted for what they are doing to help some of the most vulnerable people in the UK. They are dogged, determined and (correctly) driven by a sense that what they are doing is morally and ethically 'the right thing', helping some of the country's lowest earners navigate the labyrinthine, Kafka-esque nightmare that is Gordon Brown's tax credit system (what is being done behind the scenes with regards to reclaiming tax credit 'overpayments' from some of the poorest in society, flippantly issuing court summons and pretending to the media that the system is all tickety-boo is a national disgrace and WILL eventually come to haunt you Mr Brown). And now Gordon Brown tells us that he can solve the 10p tax rate cock-up by drawing even more people into an already creaking disastrous tax-credit system - jeez! I am certain that the women behind the Tax Credit Casualties campaign have saved the life of at least one taxpayer essentially criminalised and driven to utter despair by HMRC + the amount of good work that they do on a day-to-day basis faced with the sheer bloody-mindedness and arrogance of HMRC and the Treasury is unbelievable. Remember - these women had absolutely no training in finacial matters when they started this campaign + have not been paid a single penny for the many many hours that they have spent helping countless families in their quest for justice. They are angels!!

Submitted by Simon Blackmore, 06 May 2008

The help and support I recieved from this site and the people behind it has enabled me to move forward with my life and feel confident about my future finances. Thank you TCC. You are all BRILLIANT!!!

Submitted by Kyle Brinkley, 06 May 2008

Tax Credit Casualties were there when no one else was. HMRC - forget it. CAB - well, they're paid by the Government and have to toe the line.

After receiving an overpayment bill from HMRC out of the blue, from some years back and without any explanation, I was on my last legs. Up until that point, I had been recovering from a breakdown caused by the most tragic of family events. I regressed, and once again became suicidal and unable to cope.

Tax Credit Casualties were like a lighthouse in a hurricane. As well as being given sound guidance and a roadmap through the dispute process, the support received through their forum became a huge foundation of bedrock for me.

HMRC had never given any indication that an overpayment could be disputed, let alone any information about how to dispute. I learnt that there was an alternative to banging my head against the HMRC brick wall.

Two years later, and I am still in dispute about my overpayment. Numerous letters written to HMRC are still unanswered. Still nothing resolved.

But I am able to cope now, although I will never be able to fully move forward in my life until HMRC allow me to close the chapter on that period of my life.

Without being dramatic, Tax Credit Casualties are one of the major reasons I am here to write these words today.

Thank you.

Submitted by Graham Forrest, 06 May 2008

The TCC are dynamic a fantastic team, who keep you sane during this absolute nightmare tax credit system.

Submitted by rosie, 06 May 2008

I fought HMRC over an alleged Tax Credit overpayment and won almost single handedly. The Citizens Advice Bureau at that time were as useful as the proverbial chocolate teapot.

It was a hard slog that would have been so much easier had I known then about the Tax Credit Casualties. The knowledge that they have acquired about the failures in the Tax Credit system and the incompetence, arrogance and indifference that abounds within HMRC and our present Government is vast. It is this knowledge and the sharing of it that makes Tax Credit Casualties such a formidable force and source of help to those afflicted by the blight of Gordon Brown's Tax Credits.

Submitted by Alan Willis, 07 May 2008

Faced with the beurocracy and red tape that "is" H.M.R.C my partner and I were sinking fast when presented with a large bill for an alleged overpayment of tax credits from years before. That was until we came across Tax Credit Casualities! The website is very informative,easy to use and guides you through the minefield set before you. The team behind it are selfless in their giving of time, expertise and support, all for no personal gain other than to see justice done in an unjust system.

Thank you to them, from the bottom of my heart, for their undaunting perseverance and unconditional support given to so many out there who feel there is no way out. They are a rare breed who deserve all the recognition they can get!

Submitted by Karen Paton, 07 May 2008

Thankfully someone cares, because not many do. It seems to be a new sport - rip the people with least money and sadly a Labour government is one of the major players. The world has gone MAD, and this sane site should win one of the awards.

Submitted by Muriel, 07 May 2008

When I was reaching the end of my tether with my own tax credit overpayment demand, I found this fantastic site - and rediscovered my sanity. Have no doubt that it has saved people from despair, suicide, debt and poverty, and is redressing the huge power imbalances between the mighty, bungling yet non-accountable HMRC and the ordinary honest, compliant claimant. HMRC may continue to blame claimants for overpayments, threaten premature court action and seek to deny us our basic rights to an independent ruling on our cases, but their cover has been blown, and their atrocities are continually being exposed. Consumer power and natural justice will eventually prevail, but especially if this site wins a well-deserved award and is recognised for the life and sanity saver that it is.

Submitted by Ali Myers-Ward, 07 May 2008

I am in the process of trying to save myself from being destroyed by the TCO and this site is an absoloute wealth of information invaluable to the layman. It has given me hope this I might come through this in one piece without being thrust into poverty by a system that was, in theory, there to help those who were struggling anyway! It MIGHT just save my, and my families bacon! This site deserves SO MUCH to win the award as it is helping those who when in need sought help from the state and were given preciesly the opposite,...more trouble! They deserve to win since:-

* The operators are doing this for those in most need out of the kindness of their hearts (VOLUNTARY)

* They are saving people from the steamroller of the only unaccountable organisation left in Britain (the INLAND REVENUE)

* They are making a serious (as opposed to mildly interesting) impact on the lives of so many desparate people (see the webcounter on the site).

God bless 'em.

Submitted by A. Nonymous ( since still involved in the battle)., 08 May 2008

Where would be without Tax Credit Casualties ??? I had no one to turn too until I discovered this fantastic group of unpaid volunteers.They do a great job and deserve recognition.

A big thankyou to all of them.

Submitted by Martin Slack, 08 May 2008

No one to turn too !!! Who you gonna call ?? Tax credit casualties.

Don't bother with the rest, Go to the best T.C.C.

C.A.B, MP, Waste of time.

This organisation deserves every award going. How many people help you free of charge and don't expect anything in return ???

A big kiss to all of you X and I hope you win this award

Submitted by Natalie Palfrey, 08 May 2008

Great outfit, deserves this award.

Very helpful and free of charge.

Submitted by anonymous, 08 May 2008

Yes definitely the TCC must be given the award. I have been guidance by the TCC and their members when I received a demand from HMRC.

Submitted by Suresh Pala, 08 May 2008

Tax Credit Casualties saved us a CCJ and thousands of pounds by giving us the advice we needed to fight a completely unfair tax credit overpayment demand. The amount they have achieved with the resources they have is just phenominal, and down to the passion and hard graft of a small number of victims turned campaigners. If other campaigns think their Goliaths are big, they have not faced the arrogant, unaccountable, legally-unchallengable HMRC.

Submitted by Lisa Weatherley, 09 May 2008

Tax Credit Casualties are going from strength to strength. The website is easy to navigate, full of useful information and tips and advice written by people who have personally experienced the wrath of the mighty HMRC who seem to be accountable to no one but themselves. It is extremely stressful to be landed with a hefty Tax credit overpayment with no proper explanation. To have the Tax credit casualties to call upon for help, has stopped us from going mad with the worry of it all. Also, they are very proactive, organising meetings with HMRC and government to try and sort out this mess. The tax credit system may be working ok now for many people, but it is the people who have been affected by overpayments during the first years of its implementation that are suffering with demands for money to be paid back. The system seriously needs an overhaul, and I am confident that TCC will do their utmost to see that this is done. They deserve to win, because they are fighting for us normal law abiding citizens (for free) who are trying to fight a big government machine without success!

Submitted by Sylvia Bailey, 10 May 2008

I came accross this te Tax Credit Casualties website accidentally, and I wish I had found it sooner as it would have save me years of torment. My own experiences of the Tax Credit system drove me to have a mental breakdown. I am not putting the pieces of my life back together and TCC is supporting me all the way. I am now making a complaint to the Ombudsman and TCC are in the background with advice, help and support to ensure I am not having to 'go it alone'.

Ali and Paula deserve national recognition for standing and doing something about this horrendous system rather and I wish them every success in this award.

Kim Garner, Southampton

Submitted by kim Garner, 12 May 2008

Going on this site, showed me I was not alone in feeling so mad about how people are been treated by the TCO. I am fighting my corner now thanks to this site

Submitted by Andy Smith, 12 May 2008

The guys and girls behind this site have help many residents in Portsmouth. They do fantastic work and deserve a medal.

Submitted by Cllr Alistair Thompson, 12 May 2008

People affected by a tax credit overpayment situation often feel powerless, stressed and have a sense of dread about how they will get out of the situation. Hardship and suffering often follows as people struggle to repay amounts which they did not ask for, and did not know existed. Tax Credit Casualties literally does provide a lifeline, a place where people can share experiences, access helpful information and most imnportantly know that they are not alone. They are truly national - with Northern Ireland also benefitting from the resource. Well done and thank you.

Submitted by Kevin Higgins, 12 May 2008

they do a fantatic job and it's a relief to no your not alone and there is someone to help.they are a god send.

Submitted by lynda blizard, 12 May 2008

Following the break up of my relationship, the HMRC chased me for an alleged overpayment of £4,000 Tax credits. Despite my ex partner staying in the family home and working full time, the HMRC decided just to go for the easier option and seek repayment from just myself, the single mother working part time. There have been many times I have ALMOST given up, but I just quickly log into Tax Credit Casualties and it gives me the strength to continue fighting. As far as I am concerned they are Angels and deserve every bit of recognition for the superb job they do. The website is clear and easy to read, gives step by step advice and is a lifesaver for the vunerable.

The Tax Credit Casualty Team deserve this award for their true dedication!

Submitted by Fizzy, 12 May 2008

HMRC are chasing me for an overpayment, that THEY caused, I simply followed their instructions, and have even threatened me with court action! To fight my case I've asked for all data they have for me, unsurprisingly they don't have the piece of evidence that incriminates them.

Without the support from the Tax Credit Casualties volunteers, I wouldn't have the strength or knowledge to fight this farce and would end up giving in to the incompetent HMRC.

Submitted by cacherelle, 12 May 2008

great site, its nice to know that you are not alone, and there are thousands of other people who through no fault of their own, have had problems with TAX CREDITS, It just go to show we all can't be idiots when dealing with the HRMC as they would have you believe

Submitted by B Brewer, 12 May 2008

The Tax Credit Casualties site was a very welcoming port in a very rough sea. After I went on there for the first time I was lifted and new I was not alone against the faceless bully's of HMRC who to this day will not admit to there mistakes and insist on hounding ordinary people to pay for HMRC's total blunders. This department needs to be investigated by a higher power than themselves so that we the victims can have some peace and get on with our lives

Submitted by Brian Fitzpatrick, 12 May 2008

After recieving demands from the HMRC for full and immediate payment with no where to turn and feeling so alone plus stressed out.

Tax credit casualties website gave me somwhere to turn and not only provided me with support through forums etc, but also made available fantastic literature, documentation and advice on how to fight my case.

TCC is afantastic website

Submitted by robert davis, 12 May 2008

This website is a 'life-line' to people who otherwise feel totally alone and helpless against injustice!

Submitted by jasmin, 12 May 2008

This website is the ONLY help out there for those of us caught up in the face-less, left-hand-not -knowing-what-right-hand-is-doing monster that is HMRC. I have proof from THEM that I told them in advance (in 2004) partner was to move in and he worked full-time, but they wrote and told me my claim would not be affected, then despite me reminding them and filling in forms about partner, demanded over £15,000 back!

These people are literally the only help around, giving clear step-by-step guidance, and always replying to my emails with usefull help, advice and support. Without this site, I'd think I was the only victim of Tax Credits, but thanks to this site I know I'm not alone, and hopefully the people behind the website will be able to change the way the system is run, so there are no more victims of Tax credits inability to process all information effectively.

Submitted by Sharon Jenkins, 13 May 2008

It's good to know you are not alone when it feels like you are being singled out by HMRC.

The misery and sleepless nights they have caused is simply criminal

Glad to know we are not alone with these bullys

Submitted by Jo, 13 May 2008

It's a shame there are thousands of innocent tax credit casualties out there now struggling to pay back overpayments simply because they don't know any different.

It should be compulsory for the Tax Credit Office to include the fantastic Tax Credits Casualties website address as part of its "What should I do now?" Help & Advice Section.

Submitted by Linda Reading, 14 May 2008

I was full of dispair,I hadn't slept for months,my health was suffering,my eldest son had no choice but to hear phone calls I made to the tax credit office.He suffered from stress with acute stomach pains.Thanks to the people behind this web site I am now empowered to fight this incompetent tax system.My son is no longer stressed and although the problem is still there,I know that I am not alone and I have support and information when I need it.

Submitted by colette nimick, 14 May 2008

Without PJ and Alison I dont know what we would have done, their help is absolutely priceless and I could not have got where I am now without them. They both deserve medals!

Submitted by Cheryl & Marcus, 14 May 2008

I dont know what we would have done without the help of Tax Credit casulties, their help is absolutely priceless! I am astounded at the content of the letters we have received from the Tax Office and I could not have got where I am now without Alison and PJ. They both deserve medals!

Submitted by Cheryl & Marcus, 14 May 2008

Without the Tax credit casualties help, i would off been lost,in what to do to fight my case against the HMRC. they give people hope that they can win against a departmnet that has so many bad reports against it, but the government always says everthing is ok.all the help is free and along with their forum and web page.. these people need an award for their hard work in fighting against an unjust system

Submitted by Robert Baker, 16 May 2008

Hello, just found your website. I have just found out on renewal of this years tax/child credits that my incapacity benefit is not counted as income as I have been receiving it for 15 years. They have never asked or informed me in previous years, so it is their error. They have paid me the underpayments for 2007/08 can I claim back payments for all the other years?

Would be grateful if anyone could give me some advice.

Thanks

Submitted by Caroline, 16 May 2008