Child Benefit Rates to Increase in April 2025, but Reform Plans Scrapped

Key Details:

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• Rate Increase: Child Benefit will rise by 1.7%, with the eldest or only child receiving £26.05 per week and additional children receiving £17.25 per week.

• Reform Plans Scrapped: The government has shelved plans to base Child Benefit on household income due to high implementation costs.

• High Income Thresholds: The High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) thresholds remain tied to individual earnings, with benefits reduced when earnings exceed £60,000 and fully withdrawn at £80,000.

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Millions of families across the UK are set to receive a modest increase in Child Benefit payments starting April 2025, but plans to overhaul the system have been abandoned.

In a move aimed at providing some financial relief to families, the UK government has confirmed that Child Benefit payments will increase by 1.7% from April 2025.

This rise is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate recorded in September 2024, which was the lowest in three and a half years.

However, the government has decided against implementing a more significant reform of the Child Benefit system.

Originally, there were plans to change the system so that benefits would be based on household income rather than individual earnings. This change was intended to address criticisms that the current system can unfairly penalize families where one parent earns above the threshold.

However, due to the high costs associated with implementing such a change, these plans have been scrapped.

Impact on Families

The increase in Child Benefit will provide some welcome relief to families struggling with rising living costs. However, critics argue that the rise may not be enough to keep pace with inflation and may leave many families still facing financial challenges.

In Scotland, eligible families may also receive additional support through the Scottish Child Payment, a separate benefit administered by the Scottish Government.

As the UK continues to navigate economic uncertainty, the decision to maintain the current Child Benefit system suggests that more comprehensive reforms may be on hold for the foreseeable future.

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