§ Chris RuaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to increase maternity pay to parents of premature babies. [87151]
§ Maria EagleWe are improving maternity benefits as part of our drive to help pregnant women and parents financially and to achieve a better balance between their work and home lives.
Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance were raised to £75 a week from April 2002. From April 2003, the standard rate for both payments will be increased further; a woman will receive the lesser of £100 a week or 90 per cent. of her average earnings. This is the largest increase since maternity benefits were introduced. We are also extending the payment period from 18 to 26 weeks for women expecting their babies on or after 6 April 2003—this will apply regardless of when the baby is actually born.
Women can choose to receive these benefits from up to 11 weeks before their baby is due. However, when a baby is born earlier than the date the mother has nominated or before the start of the 11-week period, benefit is automatically paid.
We have no plans to make separate provision for women who have their babies prematurely, as the current rules ensure that they receive their full entitlement to maternity benefits.