§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what the average award was made to family recipients of the new child care disregard since its introduction in October; and what was the figure for those receiving maximum family credit and for those on the lowest level of family credit;
(2) how many family credit recipients have claimed the new child care disregard since its introduction in October; and how many of these claims have been (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful.
§ Mr. Roger EvansIn the two-month period to 30 November 1994, the latest date for which figures are available, 5,060 families received higher family credit awards as a result of the new help with child care charges. In 4,340 of these cases, the additional help increased their award to the maximum amount of family credit. The average additional weekly amount was £15.60. A further 5,180 families claimed help with child care charges but did not receive help; 3,720 families were not eligible because they did not satisfy the qualifying conditions and 1,460 families received no extra help because they were already receiving maximum family credit. Families with child care charges, including those who receive maximum family credit, may get extra help through housing benefit and council tax benefit.
It will be some time before the new help takes full effect as existing family credit recipients can only claim the child care help when their current 26-week award expires, while many potential beneficiaries need to find work of 16 hours or more and to make appropriate child care arrangements.
Five per cent. sample of family credit awards made between 1 October 1994 and 30 November 1994. The figures do not include claims made by 30 November 1994 but decided after that date.