Do DWP randomly request info (!!!!!! & CTC)?

MacMickster

blondebubbles wrote: »

No one said that is what they are questioning. It could be something else entirely.

Plus if it's a random check, they can look at the persons full circumstances, not just one area.

Many areas of HMRC do this, eg employer or VAT compliance staff, they visit employers/traders or ask to see their records. They may not have a specific area of concern but they still need to check all records to make sure they are accurate and that the returns made are correct.

Nobody is disputing HMRC's right to enquire into any claim. That should not involve asking for information which is already held by the department. If there is discrepancy they should say so. Surely that is the easiest way to get to resolve matters.

I have quickly found the following from HMRC's own guidance which confirms that they should not be asking the claimant to provide information that the department already holds:

CCM4230 - Examinations: Information: Types of information to be requested


You should ask in your opening letter for all the information you consider, from your initial review, that you need to assess the correctness of the claim, award or change of circumstances. As the risk team will have package-built the case before sending it to you, you will already have any information in the Department’s possession. So you are likely to want to concentrate on information only the claimant(s) can provide e.g.

•Bank/Building Society statement
•Utility bills, telephone, gas etc.
•Mortgage statements or rent book
•Council tax bills
•Credit and charge card statements
•Housing benefit claim details.
•Details of the hours they work

MacMickster

blondebubbles wrote: »

Technically a P60 isn't in their possession.

The information on it certainly should be.

MacMickster

blondebubbles wrote: »

If the employer has actually submitted it or submitted it correctly.

What if the employer has only employees under the LEL? They are not required to submit any paye returns. Therefore HMRC would have no information about the employment without asking the claimant.

If there is a valid reason for asking for the P60 then surely that reason can be explained in the request to avoid looking as if they are wasting everyone's time.