HC Deb 14 December 1983 vol 50 c497W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the increase in the real value of supplementary benefit rates for adults since 1948.

Dr. Boyson

The table shows the increases at November 1982—the November 1983 retail price index is not yet available—measured by increases in the retail price index less housing costs, which are, as they were in

Number of children in families with income at specific levels 1981 average
Great Britain Thousands
Below supplementary benefit level Above supplementary benefit level but within 40 per cent. of it
Employment category Families with Age related heating addition not included as part of supplementary benefit scale rate Age related heating addition included as part of supplementary benefit scale rate In receipt of supplementary benefit Age related heating addition not included as part of supplementary benefit scale rate Age related heating addition included as part of supplementary benefit scale rate
In full-time work or self-employed One parent [10] [10] [90] [90]
Two parents 280 290 1,380 1,450
One and two parents 300 300 1,470 1,540
Sick or disabled for more than 3 months One parent [10] [10] * [10] [10]
Two parents [30] [30] 20 [130] [130]
One and two parents [30] [30] 20 [140] [140]
Unemployed for more than 3 months One parent [20] [20] 10 * *
Two parents [100] [100] 520 [110] [110]
One and two parents 120 120 530 [110] [110]
Others One parent [80] [80] 610 [80] [80]
Two parents [30] [30] 10 [70] [70]
One and two parents [100] [100] 620 150 150
Total number of children One parent 120 120 630 190 190
Two parents 440 440 550 1,690 1,760
One and two parents 550 550 1,180 1,880 1,950

Notes: (i) The columns excluding age related heating additions are on the same basis as estimates produced for 1979.

(ii) * Indicates that the figure is below 5,000.

(iii) Figures in square brackets are subject to very considerable proportionate statistical error.

(iv) The sum of the components may not equal the total due to rounding.