§ Mr. Ralph HowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total number of persons dependent on both social security and housing rebates in 1979–80 and 1989–90 and the forecast for 1990–91.
§ Mr. ScottInformation is not available in the precise form requested, since claimants may receive more than one benefit at any one time, and may also receive benefit for one or more dependants. Broad-based survey data suggest, however, that in 1979, and also in 1987, the latest year for which such estimates are available, the social security system contributed to the incomes or family incomes of around 38 million people. For 1989–90 and 1990–91 figures for the estimated average number of people receiving individual benefits, including housing benefit, are shown in the table:
Estimated numbers receiving social security benefits at any one time1 2 thousands 1979–80 1989–90 1990–916 Retirement pension 8,680 9,825 9,940 Widows' benefits 490 370 360 Unemployment benefit 550 415 455 Sickness benefit 490 105 105 Invalidity benefit 620 1,185 1,265 Industrial disablement benefit 200 340 355 Industrial death benefit 30 30 25 Maternity allowance 115 15 15 Non-contributory retirement pension 55 35 35 War pension 370 255 250 Attendance allowance 285 796 880 Invalid care allowance 5 110 130 Severe disablement allowance — 265 270 Non-contributory invalidity pension 165 — — Mobility allowance 140 615 655 Income support — 4,075 4,100 Supplementary benefit3 2,920 — — Child benefit4 13,330 12,140 12,155 Family credit — 315 325 Family income supplement 80 — — Housing benefit5 rent rebate 1,205 3,115 3,120 rent allowance 220 1,040 1,050 rate rebate 3,065 4,480 — Community charge benefit/rebate — 930 7,895 1 Source: Public Expenditure White Papers 1984 and 1990.
2 Beneficiaries may be receiving more than one benefit at any one time.
3 Includes housing benefit supplement recipients who are also included in the figures for housing benefit recipients.
85W4 Numbers of children in families receiving child benefit, including those also receiving one parent benefit.
5 There is a significant overlap: most households getting help with rent also receive a rate rebate.
6 Forecast.