The child and working tax credits have been with us for over two years. Some people have welcomed that fact that the government is spending much more on these tax credits than it did on the benefits and tax credits they replaced in 2003, thereby helping to reduce child poverty. But many other people have criticised Her Majestys Revenue and Customs administration of tax credits. Recent reports, such as those by One Parent Families, Citizens Advice and the Parliamentary Ombudsman, have all called for changes to the design and operation of tax credits. The need to let the tax credits system settle down meant substantial changes were never going to be considered in the early years of tax credits. But now that civil servants and tax credit recipients are used to, if not happy with, the child and working tax credits, it is a good time to consider whether tax credits could more effectively contribute to government objectives.

The aim of this seminar is to consider realistic and practical proposals that will improve the way that tax credits operate, and improve the extent to which tax credits contribute to government objectives on child poverty, making work pay and encouraging childcare use.

Topics covered include:

• What's wrong with Tax Credits: Categorising the problems (Donald Hirsch, adviser to Joseph Rowntree Foundation)
• Tax Credits: The CAB View (John Wheatley, Citizens Advice)
• Tax Credits: The flagship and the icebergs (Robin Williamson, Low Incomes Tax Reform Group). Download paper
• Tackling poverty and making work pay: can Tax Credits do better? (Kate Bell, One Parent Families)
• Tax Credits: The case for structural reform (Don Draper, CARE)
• Tax Credits: Time to stop weakening work incentives? (Mike Brewer, Institute for Fiscal Studies)

Although some of the speakers will be happy to speak on the record, the event will be held under Chatham House rules to encourage a full and open discussion.

There will be a charge of 20 + VAT for IFS members, or 35 + VAT for non-members.