Economic Situation: Multiple Births

Mr. Cox
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he has given to the financial situation of multiple birth families; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Timms
The Government's system of financial support for families recognises the additional costs involved in multiple births as child benefit and child tax credits are paid per child to eligible families.

The Sure Start maternity grant, which is specifically intended to help people on certain benefits and tax credits to meet the immediate needs of a new baby, is also paid per child. The Health in Pregnancy grant is intended to provide financial support for women during pregnancy, not to their children after birth and the grant is therefore paid per pregnancy.