§ Mr. Fabian HamiltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the position under the social security system of women who stay at home in order to look after children. [89889]
§ Angela EagleWe recognise the need to provide practical support to help parents do their best for their children. That is why we have put into place a series of measures which open up choices for parents, including the highest ever increase in Child Benefit, the New Deal for Lone Parents, the National Childcare Strategy and the Working Families Tax Credit (including the child care tax credit).
In addition, our plans for the Second State Pension will build on safeguards already offered by the Home Responsibilities Protection scheme to help those whose work records are interrupted by caring responsibilities build up a worthwhile retirement income.
For women who stay at home to look after their children access to contributory benefits is based on their own or, as appropriate, their husband's national insurance record and the ability to satisfy the benefit entitlement conditions. Income related benefits will be based on the needs and income of the family unit.
§ Mr. Fabian HamiltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will take steps to support parents who remain at home to look after their children by paying a benefit directly to the parent. [89880]
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§ Angela EagleWe have no plans to pay a benefit direct to a parent for remaining at home to care for a child other than the provisions already in place to support lone parents and parents of children with disabilities.
We have a role in ensuring that all families have an adequate level of income, whether in work or out of work. We have put into place a series of improvements and changes to benefits which support all families and which target families with lower incomes in particular. We have increased Child Benefit by the largest ever amount, we are introducing the Working Families Tax Credit with its integral child care tax credit (and which can be paid directly to the carer where a couple choose) and we are bringing in the Children's Tax Credit from 2001 which will be worth up to £416 a year for taxpaying families with children.