Government policies

Increases in child benefit

Starting dates Uprated each April
Key department Treasury
Key delivery agency Child Benefits Agency
Budget/target/comment

The substantive increase was April 1999, when the amount for the eldest child was raised from £11.45 per week to £14.40.

The table below shows how the rates have changed over time.

Date First childSubsequent children
April 1998 £11.45 £9.30
April 1999 £14.40 £9.60
April 2000 £15.00 £10.00
April 2001 £15.50 £10.35
April 2002 £15.75 £10.55
April 2003 £16.05 £10.75
April 2004 £16.50 £11.05
April 2005 £17.00 £11.40
April 2006 £17.45 £11.70
April 2007 £18.10 £12.10

See the HM Revenue & Customs site for the latest information on rates.

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