HL Deb 13 May 2002 vol 635 c24WA
Lord Higgins

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To what extent any reduction in child benefit to a low-income family would result in an increase in other social security benefits; and which benefits would be affected. [HL4188]

Baroness Hollis of Heigham

Income-related benefits (IRBs) normally take child benefit into account as income in the assessment. This has the effect of reducing the amount of the IRB payable. The implications for the IRBs would have to be considered in any development of child benefit policy.