§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated annual cost would be of changing the child benefit system to pay the higher rate of child benefit in respect of all children of a multiple birth when those children are the oldest in a family. [125858]
§ Dawn PrimaroloChild benefit is a universal system of support paid to all families who are responsible for a child, irrespective of their means. It is paid until a child reaches the age of 16, or 19 if they remain in full-time non-advanced education.
The higher rate of child benefit is paid in respect of the eldest child family, by date or time of birth, until that child reaches 16, or 19 if appropriate.
To provide an additional "higher rate" for each child of a multiple birth under the current tax and benefit system, where there are no other older children in a family, would cost an additional £15 million a year.