HC Deb 17 April 1989 vol 151 cc55-6W
11. Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his Department's estimate for the number of households eligible for family credit in Wales; and what number of households are receiving family credit in Wales.

Mr. Moore

We do not have separate figures of eligibility for Wales. About 20,000 families in Wales were actually receiving family credit at the end of January. This compares with 14,000 families who received family income support supplement under the old scheme.

16. Mr. Adams

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he anticipates that the number of awards of family credit will reach 470,000.

24. Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he anticipates that the number of awards of family credit will reach 470,000.

47. Mr. Frank Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, when he anticipates that the number of awards of family credit will reach 470,000.

Mr. Moore

Since family credit began last April, more than 650,000 awards have been made.

22. Mr. Jack

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of family credit recipients are receiving £30 or more.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

At the end of February, more than 35 per cent. of family credit recipients were receiving £30 or more per week. Awards are made for 26 weeks, so these families are guaranteed at least £780, tax free, over the six months. This confirms that the families who are most in need of family credit are already claiming. But we recognise that there are still many families who are not aware that they may be eligible. That is why we have just begun our major advertising campaign.

39. Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of family credit recipients are receiving £20 per week or more.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

At the end of February, about 60 per cent. of family credit recipients were receiving £20 or more per week.

52. Mrs. Roe

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average award made to recipients of family credit.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The latest information on family credit is derived from an examination of amounts in payment at the end of February 1989; this indicated that the average amount in payment at that time was around £25 a week.

Mr. McCrindle

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects the simplified family credit form (FC1) to be issued; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The new version of claim form FC1 is already available in local social security offices. Stocks are being distributed by the Post Office and should be available in their offices within the next few days. Claims for family credit will continue to be accepted on the old style forms.

Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated take-up of family credit during 1989–90; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The percentage take-up of family credit in 1989–90 will not be known until information from the 1989 family expenditure survey is available.