§ 15. Mrs. LaitTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the number of parents with children aged 16 to 19 years who receive child benefit; and what representations he has received about the payment of child benefit to them. [28819]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellThe latest figures available indicate that at 31 December 1995 there were 1.09 million families receiving child benefit in respect of children aged over 16 and under 19 in full-time non-advanced education. I have received only one letter questioning the payment of child benefit in respect of those over 16.
§ 23. Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people between 16 and 19 years in full-time education are currently in receipt of child benefit. [28827]
§ Mr. MitchellAt the end of last year child benefit was payable in respect of 1.16 million people aged over 16 and under 19, in full-time non-advanced education. Entitlement to child benefit will continue until they leave that education or reach age 19, whichever is sooner.
§ 27. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the cost of child benefit for 16 to 18-year-olds in 1995–96; and if he will make a statement. [28831]
§ Mr. MitchellThe estimate of child benefit expenditure for 1995–96 in respect of 16 to 18-year-olds is around £640 million.
I believe that all families with dependent children should receive some help from either the tax or benefit system, a principle recognised throughout Europe and beyond.
The Government have a manifesto pledge to continue to pay child benefit to all families in respect of all children, including 16 to 18-year-olds in full-time non-advanced education, and to uprate it in line with prices. We have honoured that pledge.
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