§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been spent on child benefit for 16 to 19-year-olds in each year since 1997. [90915]
§ Malcolm WicksEntitlement to child benefit between the ages of 16 and 18 is dependent on the child staying on in full-time education—up to and including GCE 'A' level or equivalent. Entitlement ceases when the child reaches 19 years of age or when the child leaves full-time education, if earlier.
Estimated expenditure on child benefit, including the higher rate payable to some lone parents, for 16 to 18-year-olds since 1997 is as follows:
Estimated child benefit expenditure (inc. lone parent addition) for 16 to 18-year-olds £ millions 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 750 780 960 1,020 11,060 21,100 1 Estimated outturn 2 Plans Notes:
1. Because sample data have been used to obtain the age split the quoted figures are subject to sampling variability. The true figures are likely to lie in a range around those quoted.
2. Figures are rounded to the nearest £10 million.
Source:
DSS/DWP accounts and sample administrative data