§ Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the nature of the Government's commitment in regard to the uprating of child benefit; and 365W if he will make it his policy that future changes will he planned so that the uprating of child benefit corresponds to the changes in income tax allowances.
§ Mr. NewtonOur objective is to maintain a balanced programme of family support providing all families with a contribution towards the cost of bringing up children, in the form of Child Benefit, whilst at the same time directing extra help to low income families. The Government remain firmly committed to child benefit, but consider that increases in its level are most appropriately considered at each uprating in the context of this overall objective for family support, and of the balance of social security expenditure as a whole.