Child benefit was once payable equally to all children, but since theearly 1990s younger children have been paid at a lower rate than theoldest child. From April, 18.10 will be received for the oldestchild and 12.10 for each younger child.
Make Child Benefit Count is calling for child benefit to be increasedand the amount paid for each younger child to be raised to the samelevel as the oldest child. The Government estimates that this would liftaround 300,000 children out of poverty. It will cost 1.5bn but,if the Government is to meet its target of halving the level of childpoverty by 2010, then significant extra investment is essential.
The Child Poverty Action Group strongly believes universal child benefitand means-tested child tax credits should remain the twin foundations offinancial support for children. Tax credits have played a major role inlifting 700,000 children out of poverty since 1999 and will continue tobe important, but further investment in child benefit is alsoneeded.
Child benefit is straightforward and effective. It follows the child,regardless of changing circumstances, and goes straight to the mainparent or carer. There are no means tests or complicated forms and itonly has to be claimed once in each child's lifetime.
Larger families are more likely to be in poverty. Raising the childbenefit level for younger children is a simple and direct way ofincreasing support, particularly for parents of multiple births, whoface identical costs for each child at the same time.
Child benefit also reaches more children living in poverty than anyother benefit, with a take-up rate of 98 per cent. The universalism ofchild benefit is therefore its great strength and a cause of itspopularity.
Contributing to the wellbeing of children is an investment in the futureof our society. So, please visit www.makechildbenefitcount.org to findout how you can support the campaign.
