On today’s Money Box program on Radio 4 – the relaxation of China’s two child policy (being increased to three) was mentioned. It was also stated that only three countries in the world have policies that restrict State child benefits (based on the number of children in a family). Besides China, Vietnam was another – having a two child policy.
Can you guess the name of the third, and only other country that restricts State child benefits based on the number of children within a family?
Thanks Chelle and NJ. I thought it was the opposite, that only Child benefit was affected- but fair enough.
While I agree to a point, nj, it's often single parents who end up with the financial costs, as well as responsibility for childcare. Realistically, the only way to ensure it's fair, would be for fathers to "have" to pay for their children. Which we know often doesn't happen, and for instance, if the absent parent is unemployed, they pay nothing. But children don't cost "nothing" just because someone isn't working.
Either we make parents properly responsible, or the state has to pick up. Otherwise, you are just punishing the children.
JJ the following countries have child benefits
Australia, Canada,Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Spain, Denmark, South Korea, Poland, Belgium, Greece, France, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Liechtenstein.
It’s UC/tax credits for two children (unless born before April 2017) and child benefit for all children in full time education up to the age of 19 (non degree level) with a sliding scale in place for wages over £50k stopping altogether at wages over £60k.
In France, when you have your 5th child you not only get a medal (formally presented by the Maire), but also your full state pension guaranteed. If your husband survives you, he claims half the pension. A lady in our village was much feted in the local paper when her 5th child arrived. I'm glad our benefits are restricted (unless unexpected twins arrive, of course).
Should a political party in the UK propose that parents pay all child rearing costs, including their education – it looks like most ABers would vote for them.
// I err don't think they(grandparents) expected to be looking after little ones at age 70 but there ya go.//
er this is not new you know - - grandparents stepping up
Sarf Efrica was the first to convert a right of a grandparent ( yup they had rights in the thirties) into a duty to care for a child. Kept the orphanages empty I suppose