Change of Child Tax Credit Income 'threshold' from 6^th April 2009.

What is happening?
With effect from 6^th April 2009 a change in the Income 'threshold' of the Child Tax Credit category occurs which needs to be taken into consideration when determining remission of charges for the boarding and lodging element of residential school trips taking place wholly or partly in school hours.

What is the new amount?
The amount was previously £15,575. With effect from 6^th April 2009 it is £16,040. This change maintains the alignment of eligibility criteria for the remission of these charges with those used for determining free school meals.

What are the benefits that have to be taken into account?
The benefits, including the amended figure, which need to be taken into account are.

	Income Support
	Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance
	An income-related employment and support allowance (this benefit was introduced on 27th October 2008)
	Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
	Child Tax Credit, where the parent is not entitled to Working Tax Credit and whose annual income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) does not exceed £16,040.
	Guaranteed State Pension Credit

What do I need to do?
The Charging Policy for your school should be amended to reflect these amendments.