§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate in 1996–97 and 1997–98(a) the cost of producing and posting the child benefit statement sent to recipients each year showing the general increase in benefit rates payable as a result of the benefit uprating, and (b) the cost of new notifications of entitlement. [18099]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellThis is a matter for Peter Mathison, chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Keith Bradley, dated 29 February 1996:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary question asking if he will estimate in 1996–97 and 1997–98 (a) the cost of producing and posting the child benefit statement sent to recipients each year showing the general increase in benefit rates payable as a result if the benefit uprating, and (b) the cost of new notifications of entitlement.The estimated costs in 1996–97 and 1997–98 for producing and posting Child Benefit statements as a result of a benefit uprating are £546,185 and £556,562 respectively.The estimated costs in 1996–97 and 1997–98 of producing and posting new notifications of entitlement are £227,200 and £226,404 respectively.These estimated costs are based on current day prices.I hope you find this reply helpful.