§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the cost to the Exchequer would be of providing to all households with children under(a) three years of age, (b) two years of age and (c) one year of age, a weekly benefit of (i) £25, (ii) £50, (iii) £75, and (iv) £100. [124777]
488W
§ Angela EagleThe information is in the table.
Annual cost for families £ million Children under age of Weekly payment One Two Three £25 750 1,590 2,330 £50 1,510 3,190 4,650 £75 2,260 4,780 6,980 £100 3,020 6,370 9,310 Notes:
1. Proportions of families with children in the relevant age group have been taken from the February 2000 5 per cent. scan of the Child Benefit computer system.
2. Based on forecast 2001–02 Child Benefit caseloads.
3. Rounded to the nearest £10 million.
4. If there is more than one family in a household with children in the relevant age group we are assuming that they will both receive a payment.
5. Increases are assumed to be carried through into the income-related benefits.