§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he has introduced to assist with the additional costs faced during early years of parenthood. [63505]
§ Angela EagleSince November this year, an extra £2.50 a week has been made available to less well off families with children under age 11, through the income-related benefits. This is on top of the largest ever increase in Child Benefit for eldest or only children, up £2.95 a week from next April. A simultaneous increase in the family premium, from £11.05 to £13.90, will ensure that those on income-related benefits receive the full amount of the Child Benefit increase.
In June 1998, two enhancements were introduced to the childcare disregard scheme in the in-work benefits (Family Credit, Disability Working Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit). The maximum amount of weekly childcare costs allowed was increased from £60 to £100 for families who incur childcare costs for two or more children of qualifying age, and the age limit for children was extended by one year to the September following the child's 12th birthday. These families will receive further help next October through the introduction of Working Families Tax credit and associated childcare tax credit.