§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the types of non-advanced courses which are recognised for the purpose of claiming child benefit for a child aged between 16 and 19 years. [30240]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellThe administration of child benefit is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Peter L. Pike, dated 4 June 1996:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will list the types of non-advanced courses which are recognised for the purpose of claiming child benefit for a child aged between 16 and 19 years.There are nearly 90 courses of education which are classed as non-advanced. They include GCE "A" level, GCSE and SCE Higher Grade or equivalent, GNVQ/NVQ levels 1,2 and 3, B/TEC National Diploma, SCOTVEC National Certificate of 6th Year Studies, Foundation art course and secretarial course with GCSE entry. Others, such as Pathway, Horizon and Gateway, can be grouped together under "Special Needs" courses. The remainder can be grouped together as "Job Specific".This would include courses such as Hotel and Catering, Travel and Tourism.I hope you find this reply helpful.