Tax bombshell for Welsh NHS workers
HUNDREDS of Welsh NHS workers have overpaid thousands of pounds in tax while studying on “career progression” schemes, it has been revealed.
Doctors, nurses and midwives were taxed while studying on the Widening Access Training Schemes to be better at their jobs.
Figures revealed by the Welsh Conservatives show at least 617 workers are still waiting for rebates with some saying they are struggling with mortgage payments as a result.
Payments received by workers on the Widening Access Training schemes were wrongly taxed as if it was paid work, instead of being given exemptions they were legally entitled to.
One nurse said: “I estimate that I am now owed in the excess of £3,000, and many other of my course mates are owed much more – one has even received a rebate of £7,000 with more to come.
“Having submitted my own claim for a rebate more than a year ago I am still yet to receive a penny.
“My nurse’s salary is barely enough to satisfy my outgoings and I often feel I
am just about keeping my nose above the water.
“Three thousand pounds would go some way alleviating these pressures and to clearing some of my debt. I work hard and often stay after my shift has officially finished because we are understaffed and because I care about my patients. I also care deeply about the NHS and worry about its future. But I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of urgency by which the health board has treated my claim, which I am legally entitled to.”
The nurse, who works for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, sent the letter to shadow health minister Angela Burns.
Conservative AM Ms Burns said: “The health boards really need to get their act together on this – medical professionals should not be unfairly taxed while they study.
“Clear guidance should be issued to participants of this scheme over who is eligible to claim, how they can claim, and how long it will take for their claims to be processed.
“Some NHS Wales employees are faced with serious financial challenges and to deny them the money they are rightfully owed sends a message of uncaring thanklessness.
“Health boards should work closely with HMRC to process all outstanding claims as soon as possible.
“The work of nurses, doctors and midwives is invaluable to our NHS and efforts to recoup the money they are owed should reflect this.”
The Widening Access Training scheme sees NHS workers – including nurses, midwives and doctors – undertake full-time training at colleges and universities in Wales.
Five of Wales’ seven health boards say they have workers still waiting for rebates under the scheme according to a Freedom of Information request sent by the Welsh Conservatives.
The most workers still waiting for rebates was at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board with 180 employees, followed by Cwm Taf University Health Board (160 employees), Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (125 employees), Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (105 employees), and Powys Teaching Health Board (47 employees).
Hywel Dda health board said that it was unable to release the exact number of employees still seeking rebates under the WAT scheme given that it was “still processing” the information it had received.
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Taxation issues are a matter for health boards and NHS Trusts as the employer. Tax was deducted in accordance with HMRC regulations at the time. HMRC subsequently changed their regulations, and health boards and Trusts are now working with HMRC to ensure any overpaid tax is refunded as soon as possible.”
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership, which supports each of Wales’ seven health boards, was approached for comment but was unable to give one at the time of going to print.