HC Deb 25 January 2000 vol 343 c214W
Ms Kelly

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what are the(a) post-tax earnings and (b) total child-related benefits of a dual-earner couple with two children under the age of 11 years, both earning the minimum wage and where one works (i) full-time and (ii) 16 hours a week; [106137]

(2) what are the (a) post-tax earnings and (b) total child-related benefits of a single parent with two children under the age of 11 years, earning the minimum wage and working (i) full-time and (ii) 16 hours a week. [106136]

Dawn Primarolo

Figures for those earning the minimum wage and with two children under 11 are given in the table. Child benefit is the only child-related benefit.

£/week
Earnings, less income tax and National Insurance contributions, plus Working Families Tax Credit Child Benefit
Couple
Both working full time 256.80 24.00
One working full time, one working 16 hours per week 231.45 24.00
Lone Parent
Working full time 205.53 124.00
Working 16 hours per week 149.60 124.00
1 Lone parents who claimed child benefit before July 1998 and have claimed continuously as lone parents are entitled to a higher rate of child benefit. It can also be claimed by lone parents in continuous receipt of the lone parent premium in IS/JSA moving off benefit into work; or who come off certain other benefits providing the claim is made within one month of coming off the other benefit. With two children under 11 such lone parents would receive £26.70 instead of £24.00.