§ 39. Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the percentage increase in the real value of child benefit in November 1983 compared with (a) November 1978 and (b) November 1981.
§ Mr. NewtonAssuming, for illustrative purposes, an increase in the RPI of 6 per cent. between November 1982 and November 1983, the rate of child benefit payable from November 1983 will be an increase, in real terms, of 27 per cent. over the rate payable in November 1978 — when, however, child tax allowances were also still in existence—and 10 per cent. over the rate payable in November 1981.
§ 50. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the value of child benefit in real terms as at 28 March 1983 compared with its value on 31 May 1979.
§ Mr. NewtonInformation is not available on which to give a precise answer and, moreover, comparisons at dates other than upratings can be misleading and unhelpful. At November 1982, when child benefit was increased to £5.85, the rate needed to restore the rate of £4 payable from April 1979 would have had to be £6.10. From November 1983 the rate of child benefit will be £6.50. On the assumption, for illustrative purposes, that prices between November 1982 and November 1983 increase by six per cent., the value of the April 1979 rate in November 1983 would be £6.45.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the latest figure for the number of weekly awards of child benefit made on grounds of hardship; and how many parents have asked for weekly payments on hardship grounds.
§ Mr. NewtonAt 16 February 1983, 5,257 families were receiving weekly payments of child benefit on the grounds of hardship. A total of 18,030 applications for weekly payment on these grounds had been received, but 12,512 of these were allowable for weekly payment on other grounds.