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<p>A copy of the relevant dataset* will be placed in the Library.</p><p> </p><p>In
order to comply with the General Data Protection Regulations 2018, the dataset contains
values only.</p><p> </p><p>The data set shows all balances held on our systems for
the relevant period. It includes ‘minus’ figures, which reflect changes made as a
result of successful appeals.</p><p> </p><p>The data does not include any Universal
Credit overpayments. It includes debts accrued in a number of ways including Working
Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit overpayments built up under HMRC as well as fraud
and error overpayments.</p><p> </p><p>Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit were
introduced in 2003, with some people then accruing debts over many years.</p><p> </p><p>We
do not want people to face undue financial hardship as a result of repaying overpayments.
If people do struggle, adjustments can be made and will be based on an individual’s
circumstance.</p><p> </p><p>The overall maximum amount that can be deducted from a
claimant’s Universal Credit each month to recover a benefit overpayment is an amount
equal to 40% of their Universal Credit standard allowance.</p><p> </p><p>The vast
majority of benefit payments are made correctly; this stock of debts equates to around
0.6% of current annual welfare expenditure. The legacy welfare system is complex in
its structure and administration and in the way that qualifying conditions interact
with each other. UC provides a single system of means-tested support for working-age
households who are in or out of work and we expect this to reduce overpayments.</p><p>
</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><em>*The data provided has been sourced from internal
management information and was not intended for public release. It should therefore
not be compared to any other, similar data subsequently released by the Department.</em></p>
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