§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Sure Start maternity grants of the full amount have been awarded since 16 June 2002, broken down by region. [105044]
§ Maria EagleSince the capital limits for Social Fund Sure Start Maternity Grants were abolished on 8 October 2001, all new awards have been for the full amount.
The amount of the Sure Start Maternity Grant was increased from 300 to 500 for applications made on or after 1 April 2002, where the expected date of confinement or date of birth or adoption of the child(ren), or of a parental order was 16 June 2002 or later.
The table shows the numbers of awards made in England, Scotland and Wales between 1 April 2002, the prescribed date for claiming the higher rate, and 31 May 442W 2002, followed by awards made between 1 June 2002 and 28 February 2003. The figures will include some awards of 300 for children born or adopted before 16 June. They will also include some cases where an award of £300 was originally awarded because a child was due on or before 15 June but born after that date. Applicants were able to claim an extra £200 to represent the difference between the lower and higher rates.
Sure Start Maternity Grant awards in England, Scotland and Wales between 1 April 2002 and 28 February 2003 Period England Scotland Wales 1 April 2002 to 31 May 2002 33,000 3,000 2,000 1 June 2002 to 28 February 2003 150,000 15,000 10,000 Total 184,000 18,000 13,000 Notes:
1. Data are not available by Government Office Region.
2. Data are only available for whole months.
3. Figures are rounded to the nearest 1,000 and may not sum due to the rounding.
Source:
DWP Social Fund Policy Budget Management Information System