Law Centre NI welcomes the decision by HMRC to lift suspensions imposed on Child Benefit payments to families in Northern Ireland, following the concerns highlighted in recent media reporting, including by The Detail, The Guardian, and in parliamentary written questions.
Law Centre NI has been clear from the outset that suspending Child Benefit without adequate evidence to support such a serious decision is arguably unlawful. We have also raised concerns that the disproportionate impact on Northern Ireland residents may constitute unlawful discrimination, including the unlawful removal of property in breach of human rights protections.
We therefore welcome the swift action taken by HMRC to remedy its errors in these cases.
What needs to happen next!
However, important questions remain. HMRC should now:
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Confirm whether automated decision-making, including AI or algorithmic systems, was used to identify claimants for suspension; and
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Provide assurance that robust safeguards and fail-safe protections are, and will remain, in place to prevent any disproportionate or unnecessary harm to families in Northern Ireland.
What should you do if you remain affected by the suspensions?
Law Centre NI would strongly encourage any Northern Ireland residents still affected by Child Benefit suspensions, or who have concerns about their entitlement, to contact us directly for free, independent and specialist advice and representation.
We will continue to engage with political representatives, HMRC, and impacted communities to ensure families in Northern Ireland are not unfairly penalised.