Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government will match the support provided by the Scottish Child Payment on a UK-wide basis.

Over 7 million families across the UK already receive Child Benefit payments, at flat rates of £21.80 weekly for first children, and £14.45 for each additional child. Child Benefit ensures families receive predictable, consistent support for the additional costs they face in raising a child. Support for children from low-income households is also provided through the child element of Universal Credit.

The Government does not intend to replicate the support provided by the Scottish Child Payment on a UK-wide basis. This is because we have already taken decisive action to support families through this Winter.

The Energy Price Guarantee will cap the unit price households pay for electricity and gas, which means that a typical household in Great Britain will have to pay bills equivalent to no more than £2500 a year on their energy bills this winter.

This is in addition to the £400 discount through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. Further support is provided to families to help with current pressures including a one-off £650 Cost of Living Payment for those on means-tested benefits and additional help with the cost of essentials through the Household Support Fund in England.