Changes to child benefit come into effect

The treasury minister says changes to the child benefit are about 'putting money back into the pockets of working families'.A 2.2 percent uplift comes into effect from today (7 April), whilst income thresholds are increasing for the first time in a decade.Those with a household income between:• £50,000 and £60,000 are eligible for the full amount of £28.65, worth an extra £7.61 a week for each child in their family• £60,001 and £70,000 are entitled to £21.49, up an extra £7.46 a week for each child in their family• £70,001 and £80,000 are entitled to £14.33, up an extra £7.32 a week for each child in their family• £80,0001 and £90,000 are to be eligible for support and able to claim £7.16 a week for each child in their familyAlmost 5,800 families on the Island currently receive the benefit, around two-thirds of which have a household income under £50,000.In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Treasury Minister Alex Allinson discusses the changes - and responds to criticism from the IOM Medical Society over plans to implement an NHS levy.