Child benefit rise welcomed

A RISE in Child Benefit has been welcomed for offering help to Warrington people during the current “tough times.”
Warrington North MP Helen Jones welcomed the benefit increase to £20 per week for the first child as part of the Government’s boost to the economy. Other measures include a £60 extra payment to pensioners and the VAT tax cut.
The MP (pictured) said: “The government is determined to help people through the tough times. That is why I welcome the increased child benefit that families will have seen from the start of the year. This help will support nearly 13,000 families in my constituency alone.
“This comes on top of the extra cash boost from the Christmas bonus. This £60 bonus will be paid to pensioners, carers, disabled people and those in receipt of bereavement benefits.”
She said the cash, together with extra Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments, should mean that people need not worry about turning up the heat this winter.