Oxford News
Child Benefit increases confirmed by HMRC from April 2026
HMRC pays Child Benefit, and families with one child will now receive the new amount of £27.05 per week, up from £26.05 each week.
Families will also receive £17.90 per week (up from £17.25) for each additional child they have after that. There is no limit to how many children families can claim for.
Payments will increase in line with the Consumer Price Index for the year to September 2025, which is 3.8%. As a result, from April 2026:
- Child Benefit for the eldest child will rise from £26.05 to £27.05 per week
- Payments for additional children will go from £17.25 to £17.90 per week
- Guardian’s Allowance will increase from £22.10 to £22.95 per week
Child Benefit, normally paid every four weeks, means families will receive:
- £108.20 for the eldest child
- £71.60 for each additional child
- £91.80 for Guardian’s Allowance
Families with ongoing claims do not need to contact HMRC, as the increased benefit payment will continue to be paid directly into their bank accounts. Anyone who needs to update their personal details, such as a change of bank account or address, can do so online at GOV.UK.
Parents can also backdate their claims by up to three months.
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You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:
- under 16
- or under 20, if they stay in approved education or training
If you or your partner earn over the Child Benefit threshold
If either you or your partner’s income (after deductions) is over the threshold, you may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
This income is before any personal allowances and Gift Aid, but includes interest from savings and dividends.
Work out if your adjusted net income is over the threshold using the Child Benefit tax calculator . If it is, the calculator will also tell you how much charge you’ll have to pay.
If both you and your partner have an individual income that’s over the threshold, then whoever has the higher adjusted net income is responsible for paying the charge.
If either you or your partner has an individual income of £80,000 or more above the threshold, you’ll be charged the same amount as you make through Child Benefit payments. You’ll end up with no extra money from Child Benefit, but you can still get the other advantages provided by Child Benefit, like National Insurance credits.
You’ll also need to fill in a Self Assessment tax return each tax year to pay the charge.
Child Benefit and National Insurance Credits
You’ll get National Insurance credits automatically if you claim Child Benefit and your child is under 12.
These credits count towards your State Pension, so you do not have gaps in your National Insurance record while you’re raising a child if either:
- you’re not working
- you do not earn enough to pay National Insurance contributions
If you do not need the National Insurance credits, your family may be eligible to get the support instead. Either:
- your husband, wife or partner can apply to transfer the credits
- a different family member who provides care for your child can apply for Specified Adult Childcare credits
Only one person can get Child Benefit for each child.
Thames Valley Police has released a CCTV image as it asks for the public’s help in identifying a man who may have vital information about the incident at Templars Shopping Centre in Cowley.
The reported ‘sexual assault’ happened when a woman in her 20s was inappropriately touched over her clothing at around 3pm on Tuesday, June 30.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire police ‘welcome’ prime minister’s update on PC Harper killers
No arrests have been made at this time and the police has asked for anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible.
Investigating officer PC Emily Rice said: “We are releasing this CCTV image as we believe the individual pictured may have information that could assist our investigation.
“If this is you, or if you recognise the person shown in the image, please contact Thames Valley Police.”
Anyone with information can make a report to the police online or call 101, quoting reference 43260331880.
READ MORE: Reports of ‘petrol bombs’ at Oxford University museum spark big police response
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
Appeals for public help in finding individuals by the police can relate to suspects, witnesses or others who may have vital information in relation to the incident.
They do not mean the person is to blame nor do they imply guilt.
The scheme, which took effect on August 28, includes a wide range of furniture and home essentials.
In a statement, IKEA said: “From much-loved favourites to everyday essentials, customers can discover New Lower Prices both online and in-store, helping make it easier to create a home you love, whatever your budget.”
Among the discounted items is the KALLAX shelving unit, soon to be available for £49—down 18% from £60.
The HEMNES daybed, which functions as a sofa, single bed, double bed, and storage unit, will be reduced by 15% from £329 to £279.
In addition to these savings, IKEA is offering more than 1,000 exclusive in-store-only prices with discounts up to 25%.
The company said: “In time for cosy season, in stores nationwide, IKEA is also offering 20% off throws, bedspreads, candles, floor and table lamps, plus selected rugs, thermal curtains, seasonal duvets and cookware, from 7th September to 1st November nationwide.”
The history of IKEA
IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad when he was just 17 years old.
Originally, the company sold small goods such as pens and wallets, but in 1948, Kamprad expanded into furniture.
This was facilitated by Ingvar’s father, who gave him a small sum of money for doing well in school, which he used to set up a company.
In 1953, the company adopted flatpack furniture, solving costly transportation problems.
IKEA grew steadily throughout the 1950s in Sweden, before expanding into Denmark and Norway in the 1960s.
By the 1970s, the brand had entered markets in Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The first UK store opened in Warrington in 1987, marking the start of IKEA’s growth in the British market.
Today, IKEA employs nearly 12,000 people across its 22 UK locations.
Have you bought items from IKEA before? Let us know in the comments.
Thames Valley Police has released CCTV footage of Juan Carlos Clarke, who the force launched a manhunt for just under a week ago,
The 34-year-old is wanted on recall to prison with the photo showing Mr Clarke in Cornmarket, Oxford, at around 1.10pm on Thursday, August 27.
READ MORE: Manhunt launched after ‘sexual assault’ at Oxford shopping centre
A spokesperson for the police said: “We are continuing to appeal for the public’s help to trace Juan Carlos Clarke, who is wanted on recall to prison.
“We are now releasing a recent CCTV image of Juan, taken in Cornmarket, Oxford, at around 1.10pm on Thursday 27 August.
“Please note that he has recently shaved his hair and may look different from previous images circulated.”
Police reiterated other defining characteristics about him, describing him as being of medium build and having a full beard, as well as a broken or missing lower tooth and a tattoo of two eyes in the centre of his back.
They warned that anyone who sees him, should not approach him.
The spokesperson added: “Juan is described as being 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build and with a full beard.
“He has a broken or missing lower tooth, a scar on his left forearm and a tattoo of two eyes in the centre of his back.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire police ‘welcome’ prime minister’s update on PC Harper killers
“He is known to frequent Oxford city centre, Cowley, Jericho, the Oxford canal towpaths, and has connections to Banbury.
“Do not approach him. If you see Juan, call 999 immediately, quoting reference 43260436595.
“Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call 101 or report online, quoting the same reference.”
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