A FUTURE Tory government would extend child allowance so wealthier people can benefit, the minister for children said — admitting he did not know how much the benefit pays.

David Johnson said in an interview on LBC radio that tax thresholds  mean that parents with incomes above £60,000 a year lose part of the allowance and those above £80,000 do not get it at all.

Mr Johnson said a new Tory government would double the thresholds to £120,000 and £160,000 a year respectively.

Asked how much child benefit is worth, Mr Johnston said: “That I’m afraid I don’t know.

“It’s actually not a Department for Education policy, it’s a [Department for Work and Pensions] one.

“I’m sorry that I don’t know the amount.”

As of April, child benefit is £25.60 a week for the eldest or only child in a family and £16.95 for younger children.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt had previously said the tax threshold changes would mean an average annual saving of £1,500 for 700,000 families.

Teaching union NASUWT said this week that “schools have been left to pick up the pieces” of the cost-of-living crisis and warned tens of thousands of teachers are now regularly using their own finances to assist pupils in need.

The union’s general secretary Dr Patrick Roache said: “Alongside real-terms spending cuts, schools have become makeshift food banks and social security hubs whilst dedicated services for children and families have fallen victim to the funding axe.

“Schools and families cannot be expected to soldier on.

“We need a government that will deliver a new deal for our schools and other children’s services, and greater financial security for families across the country.”

Shadow children’s minister Helen Hayes said it was “astounding” how Mr Johnson is “so out of touch.”

She said: “Millions of families across the country rely on child benefit to make ends meet.

“On July 4, the choice is clear — a reckless and out-of-touch Tory government, who aren’t even across the details of their own policies, or a Labour Party who can deliver the change Britain needs putting stability and families at the heart of our plans.”