HC Deb 27 February 2002 vol 380 c1325W
Mr. Lazarowicz

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of telephone inquiries from members of the public to child benefit centres are charged at premium telephone call rates. [35539]

Malcolm Wicks

None of the Child Benefit Centre's customers is charged at premium rate.

Gillian Merron

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will ensure that, when shared residency orders are granted by the courts, child benefit can be divided accordingly, in line with the amount of time the child spends with each parent; and if he will make a statement. [29788]

Malcolm Wicks

Child Benefit is a universal benefit paid as a contribution towards the cost of bringing up a child. It is normally awarded to the person with whom the child is living.

Only one person can be entitled to Child Benefit for a particular child. Where the care of a child is shared between two parents, and the child spends time with each, both may claim the benefit. In some cases, the parties may choose which shall be entitled to the Child Benefit. Where agreement cannot be reached, legislation allows the Secretary of State to determine who shall be entitled. His decision will take account of a wide range of factors including any residency order.