Experts round on chancellor over ‘scattergun’ budget, saying he ducked big tax and spending decisions

Eligible families in Madrid can receive up to 1,000 euros for children born or adopted between September 2026 and December 2027.

The Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) has reported a significant increase in the cost of delivering the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) program following post-pandemic inflation. According to the PBO, the cost of the federal benefit to families rose by $4.2 billion between the 2022-23 and 2024-25 benefit years, representing a 16% increase that brought the total cost to $29.2 billion in 2024-25. This surge outpaced the cost increases experienced during the initial stages of the pandemic, when temporary boosts were provided to help families cope with economic uncertainty. The report attributes the majority of the cost increase to inflation, which reached 8.1% in 2022, and the annual indexing of the CCB to inflation. Additionally, the rapid pace of immigration contributed to higher program costs as more families became eligible for the benefit. The PBO's findings highlight the financial pressures on federal social programs as they adjust to economic conditions, particularly in the context of sustained inflation and demographic changes. The Canada Child Benefit, designed to support families with children, is indexed annually to inflation, meaning its value automatically adjusts to maintain purchasing power. This mechanism, while beneficial for recipients, has led to substantial budgetary increases as inflation rates have fluctuated in recent years. The report underscores the need for ongoing fiscal planning to manage the growing costs of social programs amid economic challenges. The PBO's analysis provides critical insights for policymakers as they navigate the balance between supporting families and managing public finances in a post-pandemic economic landscape. The findings also reflect broader trends in social spending, where inflation and demographic shifts are increasingly influencing the financial sustainability of government programs. With the CCB being one of the largest federal social programs, its cost trajectory has significant implications for Canada's overall fiscal health and the government's ability to deliver essential support to families in need.

How to download and access the HMRC app on a mobile device to get information about your tax, National Insurance and benefits.

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that millions of UK households will receive early payments of State Pension, Universal Credit, Child Benefit and other benefits ahead of the August bank holiday.