§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the percentage take-up of family credit for each of the years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on proposals to increase the current level.
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 21 February 1991]: It is clear from research and administrative information that family circumstances change frequently. These changes mean that families move into and out of eligibility for family credit and that consequently there are constant changes in the eligible population for this benefit.
The best estimate of family credit take-up is for 1988. This is based upon a special clerical examination of all family expenditure survey returns for the period April to December 1988. This showed that, for employees, about 65 per cent. of available family credit expenditure was being claimed by about 50 per cent. of the eligible population.
The number of people successfully claiming family credit depends upon maintaining a high level of public awareness about information on how the benefit might help individual families. Our latest publicity programme, which started on 11 February, has therefore been designed to promote awareness among those who are, or could become, eligible for family credit.