§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much it would cost to double child benefit for all children under five years old based on a doubling of the current figure for(a) the eldest qualifying child and (b) each other child. [42704]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyIt is estimated that the costs in 1998/99 of doubling the Child Benefit rate for the eldest qualifying child for all children under 5 would be in the region of £670 million and of doubling the Child Benefit rate for each other child under 5 would be in the region of £680 million.
The total costs of doubling current Child Benefit Rates for children under 5 would be in the region of £1.35 billion.
Notes:
1. Estimates are rounded to the nearest £10 million.
2. Estimate assumes current the differential between Couples Higher Rate Child Benefit and Child Benefit (Lone Parent) is retained.
Source:
1. Child Benefit and Income Support statistics.
2. Family Resources Survey.
§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimates she has made of the receipts generated by removing the child benefit premium for the eldest child. [42705]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyIt is estimated that the total savings in 1998/99 from abolishing the child benefit rate for the eldest child would be in the region of £590 million.
Estimated growth in Housing Benefit (HB) in Great Britain between 1992–93 and 1996–97 £ million Government office regions HB expenditure 1992–93 (cash terms) Growth in HB expenditure (cash terms) between 1992–93 and 1996–97 Amount of growth attributable to caseload increases Amount of growth attributable to increases to the average amount of benefit paid Eastern 575 255 88 166 East Midlands 412 187 49 138 London 1,746 895 383 512 Merseyside 214 383 178 204 North East 466 104 -73 177 North West 673 179 -36 215 South East 829 493 202 290 South West 562 262 112 150 West Midlands 735 151 -71 222 Yorkshire & Humberside 538 320 101 219 England 6,749 3,227 933 2,295 Scotland 774 240 25 215 Wales 378 155 46 108 Great Britain 7,901 3,622 1,004 2,618 Note:
Totals may not sum due to rounding to nearest £1 million.
Sources:
1. Housing Benefit Management Information System 1 per cent. samples.
2. Departmental Reports.
358WNotes:
1. Estimates are rounded to the nearest £10 million.
2. Estimate assumes the current differential between Couples Higher Rate Child Benefit and Child Benefit (Lone Parent) is retained.
Source:
1. Child Benefit and Income Support statistics.
2. Family Resources Survey.