Downing Street today insisted there are no plans to cut child benefit this Parliament.
Senior officials sought to play down fears that new limits may be imposed on the benefit after two years.
It came after a spokeswoman for No 10 said: “The PM was very clear during the election and his views haven’t changed... that there should be no cuts to child benefits.”
But when asked for how long, she added: “I think he set out clearly for the first two years.”
No 10 later stressed there were no plans to cut child benefit and that the Government is planning to raise overall spending this Parliament.
During the general election campaign the Lib-Dems claimed the Tories were considering slashing the hand-out to help the Government find £12 billion in welfare cuts. After the claims, David Cameron insisted the payments would “stay as it is”.
He said at the time: “We have been very clear child benefit is staying.
“We’re keeping it, not cutting it. I believe strongly in child benefit. With me child benefit stays as it is.”
The Government announced 10 new cabinet task-forces today to drive through policy. The groups will focus on areas including housing, immigration, childcare, Syrian fighters returning to the UK and “earn and learn”.
They will be chaired by ministers and seek to ensure departments are working together to deliver the Tory manifesto. The task forces will regularly report back to Mr Cameron.
A spokeswoman said it was not a reflection of Mr Cameron’s frustration with Whitehall: “I don’t see this as a judgement on the civil service.”
