NEW BOOST FOR PREGNANT MOTHERS
Helen has welcomed news that expectant mothers will in future receive Child Benefit payments in the late stages of their pregnancy.
During the pre-Budget report last week, Gordon Brown, announced that women would be eligible for the weekly cash payment from the 29th week of their pregnancy. [1]
Helen said, “I was pleased that the Chancellor used his pre-Budget report to increase the support received by pregnant mothers.
“This extra money will be a massive boost to parents at a critical time for their own health and that of their babies.
“It will mean women are much better able to afford a healthy and nutritious diet, plus all the expensive extras that a new baby needs.
“This shows the Labour Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty and giving every child a good start in life.”
In October, Helen lived a week in the life of an expectant mother on benefits. She found it very tough to eat the healthy diet recommended by doctors for pregnant women. [2]
She added, “I am also very pleased that the Chancellor has decided to increase the child element of the Child Tax Credit, which will benefit 3,700 families and 6,600 children in Bishop Auckland.” [1]
[1] Full details of the pre-Budget report: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/pre_budget_report/prebud_pbr06/prebud_pbr06_index.cfm
[2] You can read full details of Helen Goodman’s experiment at: www.helengoodman.co.uk/articles/children/pregnant-mother.
Filed under: Uncategorized on December 11th, 2006
