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Written question asked by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 February 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 February 2021. It was answered by Steve Barclay (Conservative) on Monday, 15 February 2021 on behalf of the Treasury.

Child Benefit: Coronavirus

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on increasing child benefit by £10 a week to ensure that families have enough money to meet the additional financial pressures of children and young people having to learn from home.

Answer

The Government is committed to managing the public finances in a disciplined and responsible way by targeting support where it is most needed.

We will ensure benefits retain their value by guaranteeing that for the second consecutive year, Child Benefit will increase from April in line with CPI (0.5 per cent). The Government will continue to review levels of Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits alongside other benefits annually. As individuals anywhere on the income distribution are entitled to Child Benefit, increasing Child Benefit to support families who are struggling with additional financial pressures would be poorly targeted.

The Government has provided additional support for disadvantaged children and young people during the pandemic, and is investing over £400 million to support access to remote education and online social care services, including securing 1.3 million laptops and tablets.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
151818
Session
2019-21
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Child benefit Disease control Coronavirus Remote education
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk