§ 12. Mr. Julian Brazier (Canterbury)What plans he has to reduce the number of families on means-tested benefits. [63197]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security (Angela Eagle)We are determined to do everything that we can to help those who can work to do so, which is why we want to modernise the structure of working-age tax and benefits; to create the right incentives for families; and to reward work while simultaneously providing security for those who cannot work.
§ Mr. BrazierThe Secretary of State, in answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Sir S. Chapman), said that the Department was reviewing the impact of means-tested arrangements on pensioners' disincentives to save. Regardless of the outcome of that review, will the Minister confirm two points? First, will she confirm that the minimum pension guarantee will substantially increase the number of pensioners on means-tested benefits? Secondly, will she confirm that, under current plans, the minimum pension guarantee will substantially increase the number of those on small incomes who face strong disincentives to save?
§ Angela EagleI fail to understand the sudden concern about means-tested benefits. The figures show that, in 1978–79, 4.9 million people in families were receiving income-related benefits. By May 1997, at the end of 18 years of Conservative rule, 11.6 million people in families were receiving those benefits. I think that that is where the problem lies.