Fermanagh and Omagh District Council write letter to oppose new child tax credit policy

by Gráinne Connolly

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has decided to write to the Human Rights Commission and the Secretary of State in regards to a new child tax credit clause that came into effect last week. 

The issue was raised at this month's council meeting in Enniskillen. 

The new clause states that families who have had a child after the 6th of April, will only be able to claim tax credits for their first 2 children.

However, from November the change will apply to all families. 

Councillor Debbie Coyle said the new policy was discriminatory against people who are opposed to birth control as part of their religious beliefs. 

She also mentioned mothers who would be forced into poverty if they're not in full time employment. 

Prior to the council's meeting, MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Michelle Gildernew said the tax credit cuts were an attack on those most in need: 

"Changes to the child tax credit system brought in by the Tory government are yet another attack on those most in need, particularly women.

"This benefit was brought in to help tackle child poverty but now this change in how it is operated by the Tories will actually drive more and more people into poverty.

"Stopping child tax credits payments at two children is a crude and crass form of discrimination and social engineering which is not acceptable.

"The clause where a mother can receive child tax credits for a third child if she can prove the child was conceived through rape is disgusting and will only traumatise women further.

"It will also have a disproportionate impact on the north where the average family is traditionally larger than those in England.

"Once again this is a Tory attack on those most in need and I would urge anyone concerned about child tax credits to seek the help of a benefits advisor."

Councillor Coyle also went on to express her disgust with the rape clause that has been included in the reform. 

It requires women of rape to prove themselves and their circumstances if they want to receive tax credits for that child if it's after the birth of her first 2 children. 

(Councillor Debbie Coyle's discussion at the council meeting is linked at the bottom of the page). 

Local charity Women's Aid has also slammed the policy and refuse to take part in it. 

As a result of the discussion, the council were all in favour of writing a letter to oppose the new policy and the damage that it will cause to families in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.