To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the new level of child care costs disregard proposed for family credit will come into effect; and if (a) new and (b) existing claimants, will have access to the higher level of disregard from that date. [9560]

This measure forms part of the Government's commitment to develop a national child care strategy. Within that strategy, the Government will plan provision to match requirements of the modern labour market and provide the help needed by parents to balance the demands of family and working life.The proposed improvements to the child care disregard will be brought in at the earliest opportunity, in the summer of 1998. Following the date of introduction, all new awards, for both new and existing claimants, will take account of the new level of disregard. Family credit is awarded at a fixed rate for 26 weeks and existing recipients will be eligible from the first renewal claim following the date of introduction.