Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has assessed the potential merits of replacing the High Income Child Benefit Charge with a child benefit system based on total household income.

The Government understands the concerns that have been raised about basing the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) on individual rather than household incomes. However, basing the charge on household rather than individual incomes would come at a significant fiscal cost if we were to ensure that no families lose out.

By withdrawing Child Benefit from high-income parents where the higher earner earns £60,000 or more, the HICBC helps to ensure the sustainability of the public finances and protect our vital public services.