§ Mr. GogginsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on his Department's strategy for tackling family poverty. [53481]
§ Angela EagleWe have already taken major steps towards tackling poverty amongst families. The best path out of poverty is work, where that is appropriate. Our962W initiatives such as the New Deal for Lone Parents, the working Family Tax Credit, the Childcare Tax Credit and National Childcare Strategy will help families into work and ensure that work pays. For those families who may be unable to work, or whose opportunity to maximise their income from work is limited, we are increasing the child personal allowance and family premium in the income related benefits. And, from April 1999, child benefit for the eldest child will be increased by £2.50 a week.