§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Following their announcement in the Social Security Up-rating statement, when they intend to increase child benefit to mothers who are already in receipt of severe disablement allowance or invalid care allowance.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Henley)Our intention is that child benefit for the only, elder or eldest child in a family will be increased by £1.00 to £8.25 from 8th April 1991. Other benefits for children, including child dependency increase of severe disablement allowance and invalid care allowance, will also be increased from £9.65 to £10.70 in week commencing 8th April We propose that the rate of benefit should be adjusted to £9.70 where the increased rate of child benefit is payable for the child in question. This will mean that the total amount payable in respect of the child will be increased by £1.05 to £17.95. The proposal is based on the long-established principle that rates of benefit should reflect the overall level of support payable for a child.