WARRINGTON residents face an uphill struggle to pay back tax credits after it was revealed that a total of £6 million has been overpaid in benefits.

Tax credits are means-tested allowances paid by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for working people on low-income bands, usually with dependant children.

However, the Government admitted last month that £6 million has been overpaid to people.

One such victim is single mum Shirley Martin, who has been paying off more than £1,000 in tax credit overpayment for the past three years.

Mrs Martin, aged 33, of Fords Close, said: "You tend to rely on the income. I have two jobs and still can't make ends meet.

"I'm even having trouble with my housing benefit because of the tax credit issue. It just makes me angry."

The mother-of-three had to give up her full-time hours to look after her children and now lives on £650 a month, which has to cover bills, rent, food and expenses for her children such as school meals and bus fares.

In addition to this, Mrs Martin is entitled to around £180 a month in Working Tax Credit but £30 of this is deducted to make back the overpayment deficit.

Mrs Martin added: "My mum helps out but she's also on a limited income because she's on a pension. I don't live in luxury and I don't have a car."

Another Warrington mum, Jacqueline Charnley, is in a similar position after she discovered that HMRC had her registered at the wrong address after she split up with her partner. When she queried this she was informed she was overpaid by £2,600 and now has to pay back £217 a month over the year.

Mrs Charnley said: "It was quite a shock and I tried to take it to a tribunal. I'm a single mum and I need the money."

Overpayment usually occurs if there is a delay in the recipient letting the authorities know about a change in circumstances or if there is a change in income. People affected are advised to visit their nearest Citizens Advice Bureau or call the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900.

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