§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people received Sure Start Maternity Grant in 1999–2000; and how many are expected to receive it in(a) 2000–01 and (b) 2001–02. [119948]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 20 April 2000]: Sure Start Maternity Grant (SSMG) was introduced from 27 March 2000 to replace the £100 Maternity Payment, and is payable for children expected, born or adopted on or after 11 June. Maternity payments will continue for 124W children expected, born or adopted before 11 June. Since both Maternity payments and SSMG payments will be made during 2000–01, figures for the two benefits are in the following table for the relevant years.
Number of people receiving Sure Start Maternity Grant and Maternity Payment Sure Start Maternity Grant Maternity Payment 1999–2000 1— 171,827 2000–01 2165,000 230,000 2001–02 2192,000 0 1 Not yet available 2 Projected figure