News from Southampton Labour

John Denham MP welcomes real help for Southampton families

Southampton Itchen Labour MP John Denham today welcomed the increase in Child Benefit as real help for people and business through tough times.

This month Child Benefit rises to £20 a week as part of the Government’s boost to the economy, which includes a £60 extra payment to every pensioner and a £12.4 billion boost for the economy through a VAT tax cut.

John Denham said:

“Labour is determined to help people and businesses through the tough times ahead.

“That is why I welcome the increased child benefit that families will see right from the start of the year. This real help will support thousands of Southampton families.

“I also welcome the special payment to all pensioners of £60 on top of the Christmas bonus of £10. Families of disabled children will also receive this extra cash boost.

“In the 80’s and 90’s the Tory answer to a downturn was to turn their backs on families and businesses. Today’s Tories would repeat those failed policies of the past. It is the Labour government that is taking action and offering real help through the tough times.”

Locally in the Southampton Itchen constituency this means 22,020 children in 12,365 families will gain from the rise in Child Benefit (now rising to £20 a week for the 1st child, and to £13.20 a week for other children) – an increase the Government has brought forward from April to January 2009.

Other news from Southampton Labour

• Itchen MP shares experiences of Bangladesh - 15 March 2010
• We must keep investing to help everyone back into work – Labour MPs - 10 March 2010
• Alan Whitehead MP calls for support for hardworking carers - 8 March 2010