Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what feedback he has received from families affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

The Government introduced the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) from January 2013 to ensure that support is targeted at those who need it most. It applies to anyone with an individual income over £50,000, who claims Child Benefit or whose partner claims it, regardless of the make-up of their household.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) continue to consider ways in which they can improve communications to raise awareness of HICBC. HMRC recently undertook external research and used the findings to make changes to their guidance and communications on HICBC. They also improved the Child Benefit claim form to make clearer what choices people have on HICBC when they claim the benefit.