§ As regards support for families, we shall also make a substantial increase in July in the limits up to which families can claim family income supplement. The limits for a one-child family will go up by £7.50 a week—from £31.50 to £39. They will be £4.50 higher for each subsequent child. The maximum supplement payable to a one-child family will be increased from £7 to £8.50 a week. This will ensure that families which have received a £6 pay rise under the present policy will have their FIS entitlements fully protected. It will also bring about 25,000 more families into benefit, taking the total to about 85,000. The cost of the increase will be £12 million 1976–77 and £14 million in a full year.
§ My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services will announce details of these various changes tomorrow.