Claimant Numbers (Hansard, 10 March 1992)

§ Mr. Meacher
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give, for each year from 1978–79 to the latest available, the total number of households claiming a social security benefit, excluding the national insurance retirement pension and child benefit.

§ Miss Widdecombe
Reliable information is not available for the period and in the form requested.

§ Mr. Meacher
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the average percentage rise in the number of claimants receiving the main social security benefits and expected to claim in the years 1978–79 to 1992–93 in Great Britain.

§ Miss Widdecombe
The available information on estimated average numbers receiving the main social security benefits at any one time is shown in the tables. Percentage increases are given where appropriate.
507W

Benefit 1978–79 1979–80 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1980–81 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1981–82 Percentage increase from 1978–79

Retirement Pension 8,530 8,680 1.8 8,880 4.1 9,015 5.7

Widows Benefit 495 490 -1.0 475 -4.0 460 -7.1

Unemployment Benefit 570 550 -3.5 960 68.4 1,220 114.0

Sickness Benefit/SSP 560 490 -12.5 435 -22.3 445 -20.5

Invalidity Benefit 600 620 3.3 620 3.3 660 10–0

Industrial Disablement Benefit 270 270 0.0 265 -1.9 260 -3–7.

Maternity Allowances/SMP 100 115 15.0 120 20.0 125 25.0

War Pension 385 370 -3.9 360 -6.5 345 -10.4

Attendance Allowance (1) 265 285 7.5 315 18.9 350 32.1

Invalid Care Allowance 5 5 0.0 5 0.0 5 0.0

Severe Disablement Allowance 150 165 10.0 175 16.7 180 20.0

Mobility Allowance (1) 95 140 47.4 185 94.7 210 121.1

Disability Living Allowance — — — — — — —

Disability Working Allowance — — — — — — —

Income Support Supplementary Benefit 3,020 2,920 -3.3 3,110 3.0 3,725 23.3

Child Benefit (Children) 13,480 13.330 -1.1 13,160 -2.4 13,145 -2.5

One Parent Benefit 290 370 27.6 430 48.3 470 62.1

Family Credit/Family Income Supplement 85 80 -5.9 95 11.8 125 47.1

Rate Rebate 3,055 3,065 0.3 3,350 9.7 3,700 21.1

Rent Allowance 225 220 -2.2 240 6.7 250 11.1

Rent Rebate 1,210 1,205 -0.4 1,330 9.9 1,590 31.4

Community Charge Benefit — — — — — — —

Benefit 1982–83 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1983–84 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1984–85 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1985–86 Percentage increase from 1978–79

Retirement Pension 9,115 6.9 9,210 8.0 9,350 9.6 9,400 10.2

Widows Benefit 445 -10.1 440 - 11.1 425 -14.1 410 -17.2

Unemployment Benefit 1,090 91.2 1,020 78.9 1,020 78.9 955 67.5

Sickness Benefit/SSP 395 -29.5 410 -26.8 420 -25.0 405 -17.7

Invalidity Benefit 700 16.7 760 26.7 825 37.5 865 44.2

Industrial Disablement Benefit 265 -1.9 265 -1.9 260 -3.7 265 -1.9

Maternity Allowances/SMP 125 25.0 110 10.0 120 20.0 115 15.0

War Pension 330 -14.3 315 -18.2 305 -20.8 295 -23.4

Attendance Allowance (1) 390 47.2 445 67–9 490 84.9 555 109.4

Invalid Care Allowance 10 100.0 10 100.0 10 100.0 10 100.0

Severe Disablement Allowance 195 30.0 210 40.0 245 63.3 245 63.3

Mobility Allowance (1) 265 178.9 315 231–6 390 310.5 420 342.1

Disability Living Allowance — — — — — — — —

Disability Working Allowance — — — — — — — —

Income Support/Supplementary Benefit 4,165 37.9 4,435 46–9 4,665 54.5 4,765 57.8

Child Benefit (Children) 12,890 -4.4 12,660 -6.1 12,430 -7.8 12,375 -8.2

One Parent Benefit 510 75.9 540 86.2 565 94.8 590 103.4

Family Credit/Family Income Supplement 165 94.1 200 135.3 205 141.2 205 141.2

Rate Rebate 5,320 74.1 7,020 129–8 7,230 136.7 7,020 129.8

Rent Allowance 260 15.6 1,015 351.1 1,080 380.0 1,150 411.1

Rent Rebate 3,050 152.1 3,735 208.7 3,745 209.5 3.710 206.6

Community Charge Benefit — — — — — — — —

Benefit 1986–87 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1987–88 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1988–89 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1989–90 Percentage increase from 1978–79

Retirement Pension 9,575 12.3 9,685 13.5 9,710 13.8 9,795 14.8

Widows Benefit 400 -19.2 385 -22.2 370 -25.3 375 -24.2

Unemployment Benefit 1,005 76.3 815 43.0 600 5.3 375 -34.2

Sickness Benefit/SSP 420 -25.0 450 -19.6 470 -16.1 465 -17.0

Invalidity Benefit 935 55.8 1,010 68–3 1,100 83.3 1,190 98.3

Industrial Disablement Benefit 285 5.6 290 7.4 295 9.3 295 9.3

Maternity Allowances/SMP 110 10.0 110 10.0 95 -5.0 110 10.0

War Pension 280 -27.3 270 -29.9 265 -31.2 265 -31.2

Attendance Allowance (1) 605 128.3 670 152.8 730 175.5 795 200.0

Invalid Care Allowance 25 400.0 80 1,500.0 100 1,900.0 115 2,200.0

Severe Disablement Allowance 265 76.7 265 76.7 270 80.0 280 86.7

Mobility Allowance (1) 460 384.2 515 442.1 560 489.5 585 515.8

Disability Living Allowance — — — — — — — —

Disability Working Allowance — — — — — — — —

Income Support/Supplementary Benefit 5,095 68.7 5,020 66.2 4,310 42.7 4,155 37.6

Child Benefit (Children) 12,175 -9.7 12,040 -10.7 12,010 -10.9 12,000 -11.0

One Parent Benefit 615 112.1 660 127.6 705 143.1 735 153.4

508W 509W

Benefit 1986–87 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1987–88 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1988–89 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1989–90 Percentage increase from 1978–79

Family Credit/Family Income Supplement 215 152.9 220 158.8 280 229.4 305 258.8

Rate Rebate 7,050 130.8 6,875 125.0 5,150 68.6 4,320 41.4

Rent Allowance 1,180 424.4 1,195 431.1 965 328.9 955 324.4

Rent Rebate 3,720 207.4 3,665 202.9 3,125 158.3 2,950 143.8

Community Charge Benefit — — — — — — 865 —

Thousands

Benefit 1990–91 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1991–92 Percentage increase from 1978–79 1992–93 Percentage increase from 1978–79

Retirement Pension 9,895 16.0 9,920 16.3 9,945 16.6

Widows Benefit 350 -29.3 350 -29.3 340 -31.3

Unemployment Benefit 425 -25.4 650 14.0 605 6.1

Sickness Benefit/SSP 460 -17.9 465 -17.0 465 -17.0

Invalidity Benefit 1,265 110.8 1,325 120.8 1,380 130.0

Industrial Disablement Benefit 305 13.0 330 22.2 335 24.1

Maternity Allowance/SMP 100 0.0 105 5.0 105 5.0

War Pension 255 -33.8 260 -32.5 255 -33.8

Attendance Allowance (1) 875 230.2 970 266.0 655 —

Invalid Care Allowance 135 2,600.0 155 3,000.0 170 3,300.0

Severe Disablement Allowance 290 93.3 300 100.0 315 110.0

Mobility Allowance 620 552.6 660 594.7 0 —

Disability Living Allowance — — — — 1,255 —

Disability Working Allowance — — — — 50 —

Income Support/Supplementary Benefit 4,190 38.7 4,820 59.6 5,105 69.0

Child Benefit (Children) 12,135 -10.0 12,185 -9.6 12,340 -8.5

One Parent Benefit 760 162.1 835 187.9 880 203.4

Family Credit/Family Income Supplement 320 276.5 350 311.8 420 394.1

Rate Rebate — — — — — —

Rent Allowance 1,030 357.8 1,115 395.6 1,205 435.6

Rent Rebate 2,925 141.7 3,085 155.0 3,295 172.3

Community Charge Benefit 6,740 — 6,570 — 6,865 —

Benefit	1978–79	1979–80	Percentage increase from 1978–79	1980–81	Percentage increase from 1978–79	1981–82	Percentage increase from 1978–79
Retirement Pension	8,530	8,680	1.8	8,880	4.1	9,015	5.7
Widows Benefit	495	490	-1.0	475	-4.0	460	-7.1
Unemployment Benefit	570	550	-3.5	960	68.4	1,220	114.0
Sickness Benefit/SSP	560	490	-12.5	435	-22.3	445	-20.5
Invalidity Benefit	600	620	3.3	620	3.3	660	10–0
Industrial Disablement Benefit	270	270	0.0	265	-1.9	260	-3–7.
Maternity Allowances/SMP	100	115	15.0	120	20.0	125	25.0
War Pension	385	370	-3.9	360	-6.5	345	-10.4
Attendance Allowance (1)	265	285	7.5	315	18.9	350	32.1
Invalid Care Allowance	5	5	0.0	5	0.0	5	0.0
Severe Disablement Allowance	150	165	10.0	175	16.7	180	20.0
Mobility Allowance (1)	95	140	47.4	185	94.7	210	121.1
Disability Living Allowance	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Disability Working Allowance	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Support Supplementary Benefit	3,020	2,920	-3.3	3,110	3.0	3,725	23.3
Child Benefit (Children)	13,480	13.330	-1.1	13,160	-2.4	13,145	-2.5
One Parent Benefit	290	370	27.6	430	48.3	470	62.1
Family Credit/Family Income Supplement	85	80	-5.9	95	11.8	125	47.1
Rate Rebate	3,055	3,065	0.3	3,350	9.7	3,700	21.1
Rent Allowance	225	220	-2.2	240	6.7	250	11.1
Rent Rebate	1,210	1,205	-0.4	1,330	9.9	1,590	31.4
Community Charge Benefit	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Benefit	1982–83	Percentage increase from 1978–79	1983–84	Percentage increase from 1978–79	1984–85	Percentage increase from 1978–79	1985–86	Percentage increase from 1978–79
Retirement Pension	9,115	6.9	9,210	8.0	9,350	9.6	9,400	10.2
Widows Benefit	445	-10.1	440	- 11.1	425	-14.1	410	-17.2
Unemployment Benefit	1,090	91.2	1,020	78.9	1,020	78.9	955	67.5
Sickness Benefit/SSP	395	-29.5	410	-26.8	420	-25.0	405	-17.7
Invalidity Benefit	700	16.7	760	26.7	825	37.5	865	44.2
Industrial Disablement Benefit	265	-1.9	265	-1.9	260	-3.7	265	-1.9
Maternity Allowances/SMP	125	25.0	110	10.0	120	20.0	115	15.0
War Pension	330	-14.3	315	-18.2	305	-20.8	295	-23.4
Attendance Allowance (1)	390	47.2	445	67–9	490	84.9	555	109.4
Invalid Care Allowance	10	100.0	10	100.0	10	100.0	10	100.0
Severe Disablement Allowance	195	30.0	210	40.0	245	63.3	245	63.3
Mobility Allowance (1)	265	178.9	315	231–6	390	310.5	420	342.1
Disability Living Allowance	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Disability Working Allowance	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Support/Supplementary Benefit	4,165	37.9	4,435	46–9	4,665	54.5	4,765	57.8
Child Benefit (Children)	12,890	-4.4	12,660	-6.1	12,430	-7.8	12,375	-8.2
One Parent Benefit	510	75.9	540	86.2	565	94.8	590	103.4
Family Credit/Family Income Supplement	165	94.1	200	135.3	205	141.2	205	141.2
Rate Rebate	5,320	74.1	7,020	129–8	7,230	136.7	7,020	129.8
Rent Allowance	260	15.6	1,015	351.1	1,080	380.0	1,150	411.1
Rent Rebate	3,050	152.1	3,735	208.7	3,745	209.5	3.710	206.6
Community Charge Benefit	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Benefit	1986–87	Percentage increase from 1978–79	1987–88	Percentage increase from 1978–79	1988–89	Percentage increase from 1978–79	1989–90	Percentage increase from 1978–79
Retirement Pension	9,575	12.3	9,685	13.5	9,710	13.8	9,795	14.8
Widows Benefit	400	-19.2	385	-22.2	370	-25.3	375	-24.2
Unemployment Benefit	1,005	76.3	815	43.0	600	5.3	375	-34.2
Sickness Benefit/SSP	420	-25.0	450	-19.6	470	-16.1	465	-17.0
Invalidity Benefit	935	55.8	1,010	68–3	1,100	83.3	1,190	98.3
Industrial Disablement Benefit	285	5.6	290	7.4	295	9.3	295	9.3
Maternity Allowances/SMP	110	10.0	110	10.0	95	-5.0	110	10.0
War Pension	280	-27.3	270	-29.9	265	-31.2	265	-31.2
Attendance Allowance (1)	605	128.3	670	152.8	730	175.5	795	200.0
Invalid Care Allowance	25	400.0	80	1,500.0	100	1,900.0	115	2,200.0
Severe Disablement Allowance	265	76.7	265	76.7	270	80.0	280	86.7
Mobility Allowance (1)	460	384.2	515	442.1	560	489.5	585	515.8
Disability Living Allowance	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Disability Working Allowance	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Support/Supplementary Benefit	5,095	68.7	5,020	66.2	4,310	42.7	4,155	37.6
Child Benefit (Children)	12,175	-9.7	12,040	-10.7	12,010	-10.9	12,000	-11.0
One Parent Benefit	615	112.1	660	127.6	705	143.1	735	153.4

Thousands
Benefit	1990–91	Percentage increase from 1978–79	1991–92	Percentage increase from 1978–79	1992–93	Percentage increase from 1978–79
Retirement Pension	9,895	16.0	9,920	16.3	9,945	16.6
Widows Benefit	350	-29.3	350	-29.3	340	-31.3
Unemployment Benefit	425	-25.4	650	14.0	605	6.1
Sickness Benefit/SSP	460	-17.9	465	-17.0	465	-17.0
Invalidity Benefit	1,265	110.8	1,325	120.8	1,380	130.0
Industrial Disablement Benefit	305	13.0	330	22.2	335	24.1
Maternity Allowance/SMP	100	0.0	105	5.0	105	5.0
War Pension	255	-33.8	260	-32.5	255	-33.8
Attendance Allowance (1)	875	230.2	970	266.0	655	—
Invalid Care Allowance	135	2,600.0	155	3,000.0	170	3,300.0
Severe Disablement Allowance	290	93.3	300	100.0	315	110.0
Mobility Allowance	620	552.6	660	594.7	0	—
Disability Living Allowance	—	—	—	—	1,255	—
Disability Working Allowance	—	—	—	—	50	—
Income Support/Supplementary Benefit	4,190	38.7	4,820	59.6	5,105	69.0
Child Benefit (Children)	12,135	-10.0	12,185	-9.6	12,340	-8.5
One Parent Benefit	760	162.1	835	187.9	880	203.4
Family Credit/Family Income Supplement	320	276.5	350	311.8	420	394.1
Rate Rebate	—	—	—	—	—	—
Rent Allowance	1,030	357.8	1,115	395.6	1,205	435.6
Rent Rebate	2,925	141.7	3,085	155.0	3,295	172.3
Community Charge Benefit	6,740	—	6,570	—	6,865	—