Comprehensive Spending Review NCT Official Press Release 20-10-2010.

Comprehensive Spending Review NCT Official Press Release 20-10-2010.
Released on 20/10/2010
NCT Press Statement

Anne Fox, Head of Campaigns & Public Policy, NCT, commenting on the Comprehensive Spending Review, says;

“Some of the measures announced today will hit Britain where it hurts the most – the future generation. The Prime Minister said; 'We want to see Britain become the most family-friendly country in Europe', what has been announced today is likely to make it more difficult for many mothers and fathers  to start and raise a family in the UK.

While some of the measures announced, such as the increase in the child element of the child tax credit for low-income families, will benefit some families, we are concerned that many other parents will be adversely affected by some of the other announcements made today, adding to a litany of changes affecting families announced since the Emergency Budget.

Today’s review has not delivered on the commitment to make Britain the most family-friendly country in Europe. We look forward to seeing the forthcoming recommendations in the Poverty and Life Chances Review, and the Early Intervention Review, and hope that they will encourage a more supportive environment for families, that can be backed up by government action."


      Child benefit will be frozen for three years. This will take effect from April 2011. 
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      The cut in child tax credit for those on combined income of over £40,000 will take effect from April 2011 with further changes in 2012-13.
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      The Health in Pregnancy Grant (£190) has been abolished and takes effect from 1st January 2011.
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      The Sure Start Maternity Grant (£500 per baby) will be restricted to only the first-born child from April 2011.
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      From October 2011, lone parents will be expected to look for work when their youngest child goes to school.
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      The Child Trust Fund will be abolished. Government contributions will cease from 1st January 2011.
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      In January 2011 VAT will rise by 2.5%, bringing it to 20%.
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      Housing benefit to be capped at £400 per week for a four-bedroom house from April 2011.
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      In 2008, 790,000 children were born in the UK, of which 43% were born to first-term parents. That is estimated at over 300,000 babies born in the UK to first-time parents.