Don't Be An April Fool - Claim Your Child Tax Credit, Urges MP
Wednesday 26th March 2003

The MP for East Ham, Stephen Timms, has urged people in Newham to find out if they qualify for the new Child Tax Credit which comes into effect on April 1st.

Nine out of ten families in the UK will qualify for the credit, which will be paid directly to the main carer, whether it be the father or the mother. The credit promises a significant financial boost towards the care of children: all families with children with an income up to ?50,000 per year will be entitled to at least ?26.50 a week. The tax credit will also ensure low pay does not affect the welfare of children, as a family with one person working full time on the minimum wage will be ?400 a year better off.

The Child Tax Credit is part of the Government's effort to tackle child poverty. In 1997, one child in three was born into poverty, but today a million fewer children live in poverty. To build on this achievement, Labour has set an ambitious target to halve child poverty in ten years, and abolish child poverty in a generation.

Mr Timms commented, "Attacking child poverty is a priority for Labour. The Child Tax Credit will help parents as they care for their children, and I hope people will ring the helpline for a claim form on 0845 300 3900 if they think they may qualify".

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