§ Mr. EnnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate how many families in the Barnsley, East and Mexborough constituency will benefit from the increase in child benefit. [73375]
§ Angela EagleThe administration of Child Benefit is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. He will write to my hon. Friend.
594WLetter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Jeff Ennis, dated March 1999:
I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if I will estimate how many families in the Barnsley East and Mexborough constituency will benefit from the increase in child benefit.Unfortunately the information to identify families, by region, who are receiving Child Benefit is not readily available. These figures could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.I can however explain the new rates of Child Benefit from April 1999. They will be £14.40 for the eldest child and £9.60 for each subsequent child. The increase for the eldest child includes the extra £2.50 a week announced in the March budget, plus uprating. This is an overall increase of £3.25 for a family with two children.I am sorry I could not have been of more help on this occasion but I am pleased to have had the opportunity to comment.