Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 29 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 December 2007. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Thursday, 10 January 2008 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Family Fund: Eligibility

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will increase the age limit for recipients of Family Fund grants to enable those between 16 and 18-years-old to qualify; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: As part of the Children's Plan published on 11 December, the Secretary of State announced an additional £8.4 million over the next three years to allow the Family Fund Trust to increase the eligibility age from 16 to 18 in England.The Department already provides £22.8 million annually to the Family Fund, allowing the fund to distribute 38,857 grants in England in 2006-07, averaging £549 per grant. The additional £8.4 million is equivalent to around 16,000 grants for families with 16 and 17-year-old disabled young people over the next three years.This renews our commitment to providing low income families with a tailored package of support and is all part of the philosophy of the Children's Plan and part of our drive to end child poverty.

Secondary information