Written question asked by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by John Healey (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many of the tax credit award notices that were sent out in (a) 2004-05 and (b) 2003-04 were sent out (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three, (iv) four, (v) five and (vi) six months after the beginning of the financial year for which tax credits were to be paid. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the tax credit award notices that were sent out in (a) 2004-05 and (b) 2003-04 were sent out (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three, (iv) four, (v) five and (vi) six months after the beginning of the financial year for which tax credits were to be paid. [199143] John Healey: Award notices are not just sent out at the beginning of the financial year but throughout, following the successful processing of a new claim, the renewal of an existing award and the notification of changes in income or circumstances. They are sent to both partners in a couple. In 2004-05: (i) 1,710,000 award notices were sent out between 6 April-- 5 May 2004 (ii) 4,280,000 were sent out between 6 May--5 June 2004 (iii) 4,820,000 were sent out between 6 June 2004--5 July 2004 (iv) 3,940,000 were sent out between 6 July 2004--5 August 2004 (v) 3,340,000 were sent out between 6August 2004-- 5 September 2004 (vi) 2,810,000 were sent out between 6 September 2004-- 5 October 2004 In 2003-04: (i) 2,490,000 award notices were sent out between 6 April - 5 May 2003 (ii) 3,260,000 were sent out between 6 May--5 June 2003 (iii) 1,970,000 were sent out between 6 June--5 July 2003 (iv) 2,040,000 were sent out between 6 July--5 August 2003 (v) 1,220,000 were sent out between 6 August--5 September 2003 (vi) 1,450,000 were sent out between 6 September--5 October 2003

Secondary information