HC Deb 27 July 1989 vol 157 cc850-1W
Mr. John Evans

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the income of a single person on half average earnings went on income tax in 1979–80 and 1988–89.

Mr. Lilley

In 1979–80 a single person on half average male earnings paid 16.4 per cent. of his earnings in income tax. In 1988–89, he paid 15.2 per cent.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has revised the figures given in his reply dated 10 April,Official Report, column 348, concerning the number of tax units and tax liability by range of total income; and whether he will publish in the Official Report a table breaking down the figures to show (i) steps of £1,000 between £10,000 and £15,000 (ii) for £15,000–£17,499 (iii) £20,000–£24,999 and (iv) £100,000 and above.

Mr. Lilley

The figures in the reply of 10 April to the hon. Member,Official Report, column 348, have not been revised.

I regret that reliable estimates for more detailed income ranges are not available, as estimates are based on a projection of the 1986–87 survey of personal incomes. All estimates are provisional and subject to some degree of uncertainty.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people make up the 1 per cent. of taxpayers who pay the most tax; and at what level of income this 1 per cent. begins.

Mr. Lilley

[holding answer 25 July 1989]: In 1989–90 the top 1 per cent. of income tax payers includes about 210,000 single people and married couples with income of over £60,000 per annum. This estimate is based on their income subject to tax, before deduction of tax reliefs and personal allowances.