§ Mr. GoodmanTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will break down the projections for total support to families given in the 2003 pre-budget report for(a) 2003–04 and (b) 2004–05 by (i) child benefit, (ii) child tax credit, broken down by (A) family element, (B) child element and (C) disability, (iii) childcare credit, (iv) statutory maternity pay, (v) maternity allowance, (vi) maternity expenses and (vii) other support. [158059]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Pre Budget Report provided estimates of financial support for children through tax credits, Child Benefit and other benefits. The figures did not include expenditure on maternity related benefits. Information on expenditure on Child Benefit and other 1227W benefits for children is published in the Benefit Expenditure Tables on the Department of Work and Pensions' website at www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/ expenditure.asp.
Tax credit awards are based initially on a family's previous year income but the level of entitlement is determined by current year income. Estimates of expenditure on tax credits and on the components of tax credits are therefore subject to revision until awards are finalised after the end of the year. Updated estimates of expenditure on tax credits will be provided in the Budget.