Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Family Credit – 26 February 1987

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Family Credit on 26th February 1987.

Dr. Godman Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has made of the number of families in (a) Scotland, (b) Strathclyde region and (c) Greenock and Port Glasgow who will be entitled to receive family credit; how many of them will be entitled to continue receiving free school meals; and what is the likely take-up of this award in each of the three above.

Mr. Major I regret that it is not possible to make reliable estimates on such a localised basis. Overall, family credit is expected to reach about double the number of families now helped by family income supplement. This is consistent with a take-up rate of 60 per cent. Only families receiving income support will be entitled to free school meals, but the rates of family credit will be set at a higher level so as to give extra cash help instead.