The RAISE Project – 2008-2009
Designed by CEMVO, the RAISE project aims to tackle financial exclusion experienced by minority ethnic communities by running a number of community based events to raise awareness to minority ethnic communities in Britain about Tax credits, the Child Trust Fund scheme and obligations to Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HM Revenue & Customs) on tax and VAT related issues.

Tax credits are payments (not a tax) from the government to help with everyday costs. If you're responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you, you may be eligible for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but earn low wages, you may be eligible for Working Tax Credit.

The Child Trust Fund is a long-term savings account, designed to give children a financial head start in life.  The money in it belongs to your child and is locked away until they are 18, so it has a long time to grow.  If your child was born on or after 1st September 2002 and is eligible for a Child Trust Fund account, they will automatically receive a £250 voucher to kick start their savings.

As well as distributing benefits, the Government collects tax to pay for public services. Key taxes that may have to paid include: Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, Stamp Duty, VAT and other duties. The RAISE project aims to help individuals, small to medium enterprises and voluntary and community organisations understand the necessity to pay tax, national insurance and VAT in order to meet legal obligations to HM Revenue & Customs.

CEMVO hopes to have reached out to hundreds of minority ethnic individuals, families and community based groups across London and the South West region by the March 2009 through conducting;

• Information sessions to raise awareness of and help clients to apply for Tax Credit and Child Trust Fund scheme.
• Community based workshops to raise awareness and help clients to address a range of tax and VAT related issues such as self employment, registering for a National Insurance number etc.

Don’t Miss Out! – For details about the activities of the RAISE Project, please download the leaflet on the top left corner or see contact details below for activities happening in London and the South West region or for

 

London

Wai Yeung - RAISE Project Manager

Boardman House

64 Broadway

London E15 1NG

Tel: (020) 8432 0012

wai.yeung@cemvo.org.uk

 

South West region

Muhammad Ali - Regional Director

1st Floor Royal Oak House

Royal Oak Avenue

Bristol BS1 4GB

Tel: (0117) 9897727

muhammad.ali@cemvo.org.uk