Child Benefit

HC Deb 26 January 1998 vol 305 cc103-4W

27. Mr. Gerald Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to review the working of child benefit. [23078]

Mr. Keith Bradley

Our manifesto commitment makes it quite clear that where Child Benefit is universal, from birth to age 16, we will maintain it and uprate it at least in line with prices.

Child Benefit is payable for 16 to 18 year olds staying on in full-time education. The Government are reviewing educational finance and maintenance for this group, as we promised in our manifesto.

39. Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to reform child benefit. [23091]

Mr. Keith Bradley

Our manifesto commitment is to retain Child Benefit where it is universal today—from birth to age 16—and to uprate it at least in line with prices.

An inter-Departmental review of all the arrangements for financial support for young people choosing to stay in education beyond compulsory school age is continuing. Child Benefit for 16 to 18 year olds is part of that review.