HC Deb 08 March 1999 vol 327 cc52-3W
35. Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has to tackle the problem of child poverty. [73072]

Angela Eagle

Since November last year an extra £2.50 a week has been made available to less well off families with children under age 11, through the income-related benefits. From April this year we will implement the largest ever increase in Child Benefit, an extra £2.95 a week for the first or eldest child. A similar increase in the family premium will ensure that those on income-related benefits also gain.

We consider that helping parents to work is the best form of assistance. The New Deal for Lone Parents and National Childcare Strategy will together make it possible for more parents to start work or increase their hours. Around two million children will be better off as a result of the introduction of the Working Families Tax Credit and Childcare Tax Credit and, along with the National Minimum Wage, will help to ensure that work pays for more families with children.