HC Deb 24 January 1997 vol 288 c772W
Mr. Alan Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his latest estimate of(a) the cost and (b) the numbers gaining if the child care disregard were extended to (i) children over the age of 11 years for whom disability living allowance or the disability premium is payable, (ii) each child under 11 years in the family and (iii) children under 16 years during school holidays. [10991]

Mr. Roger Evans

It is estimated that each option would affect fewer than 2,500 families, and cost less than £2.5 million per annum.

Notes:

1. Estimates are based on the May 1996 family credit statistics and 1994–95 family resources survey uprated to 1997–98 prices, taxes and benefit levels. 2. They refer to child care from sources other than relatives, friends or neighbours.

The estimates do not allow for behavioural effects.

3. These estimates are based on small samples and should be treated with caution.