5:30pm Friday 29th August 2008
By James Williams
A WESTBURY woman who cares for her grandson has been left fuming after being left without child benefits for almost six months.
Natalie Burton, 41, from Gryphon Close, was granted a residency order at Bath Family Court in December 2007 to became the main carer for her grandson, 14-month-old Tyler Burton, after his mother Machaela Burton, 19, became clinically depressed.
Natalie Burton was receiving £18.80 a week in child benefit for Tyler but on March 6 her payments stopped and she received a letter from the Child Benefit Agency saying someone else was trying to claim benefit for her grandson.
It later transpired that Tyler's father, Richard King, 25, from Swindon, was also trying to claim benefit for his son, who he looks after at weekends. In the letter it stated the issue would be resolved within six to eight weeks, but 25 weeks later, and a total of £470 missed benefit payments, neither Mrs Burton or Mr King have been contacted by the Child Benefit Agency.
Mrs Burton said she has phoned the child benefit helpline more than 20 times since March and every time she is told she will receive a call back within 48 hours, but never has. \ "The Child Benefit Agency are undecided as to who the benefit should go to, but they have all the court papers to say I am the main carer for Tyler," she said.
"I used to receive £18.80 a week in child benefit and that always bought Tyler's nappies, powdered milk and dinners for that week. I've had to use more money from my part-time job at A & D Taxis in Trowbridge, which I don't get a lot for.
"But it isn't about the money it's the fact they have been totally obnoxious. They haven't even called me back just to say that they are looking into the issue.
"I think it's disgusting the way I have been treated. All I want to know is what's going on and whether the sitaution has progressed."
HM Revenue & Customs spokesman Lisa Billard said: "We are unable to discuss individual cases, due to customer confidentiality.
However, I have referred the details provided to our Child Benefit Office for their investigation.
"Anyone with questions about child benefit should call the child benefit help line on 0845 302 1444."
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