HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : £1.7 Billion Boost For Britain´s Families [June 2000]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 18 June 2000.

5 million families in Britain are set to gain up to £442 a year off their tax bills next year, when the new Children’s Tax Credit comes into force.

A national press and radio advertising campaign launched today by Paymaster General Dawn Primarolo alerts parents to the new Credit, and encourages them to claim it.

Dawn Primarolo said:

The Government’s ambition is that every child should have the best possible start in life. The new Children’s Tax Credit, which comes into force in April 2001, aims to get help and support to those taxpaying families who need it most. It will provide families with up to £442 a year off their tax bills, a £1.7 billion boost for Britain’s families.

I would urge every parent – whether married or unmarried – with children under the age of 16 to look out for the information soon to be sent out by the Inland Revenue. There is also a Helpline – 0845 300 1036 – for anyone who has any queries.

Building on the package of Government help already available – such as the Working Families Tax Credit, the National Minimum Wage and the recently announced £4.5 million worth of start-up grants for childminders – the new Credit is an important step in delivering a fairer tax system for families with children. It is part of the Government’s commitment to making work pay and giving children the best possible start in life.