To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the £50,000 income limit for the Child Benefit High Income Charge by inflation each year.

The Government is committed to managing the public finances in a disciplined and responsible way by targeting support where it is most needed. The adjusted net income threshold of £50,000 used in the administration of the HICBC only affects a small minority of those with comparatively high incomes. The Government therefore believes that the current threshold for HICBC remains the best option at present. As with all elements of tax policy, the Government keeps this under review as part of the annual Budget process.