LOCAL MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh is calling for urgent government action on a private company, which carries out tax credit check for HMRC.

The Ochil and South Perthshire elected representative last week called on the UK Government to address the recent failures of Concentrix and HMRC, which left many locals relying on charity to support their family.

It is understood company officials and HMRC representatives are appearing before the DWP Select Committee today and following a Point of Order she made in the House of Commons, the SNP MP said: “The situation that has been allowed to develop by HMRC as a direct result of the false and inaccurate allegations made against innocent families by their appointed contractor Concentrix is absolutely disgraceful.

“I have heard from an increasing number of distressed and concerned constituents who are at their wit’s end desperately trying to resolve their situation so they can provide for their families.

“Across the country, thousands of innocent people have had their tax credit entitlement stopped without warning is fundamentally wrong, and has had a devastating impact on those affected.

“All these families rely upon these payments in order to feed their families and keep their homes heated. The knock on effect being experienced is wide ranging, many of the effected people have to rely on food banks to feed their children.

“Some are facing the prospect of losing their jobs as they cannot afford childcare – this cannot continue.

“The financial secretary told parliament last months that these victims should have their cases resolved within four working days, but this is simply not happening.

“Weeks have passed without resolution for people who have contacted me in dire straits. My staff have been told on more than one occasion that it would be two to three weeks before these cases can be looked into, let alone resolved.

“The government must act now to resolve this situation immediately for those affected and provide the compensation they deserve.

"It’s also imperative that a full and proper investigation by the National Audit Office is carried out. People are entitled to find out who is to blame for this disastrous situation and why proper control measures have not been implemented by HMRC as part of the contract awarded to Concentrix to ensure it was fit for purpose and being delivered to an acceptable standard the public are entitled to expect.”