HC Deb 26 July 1993 vol 229 cc721-2W
Ms Corston

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the percentage change in income during the period 1979 to 1987, both before and after housing costs, of each percentile group in the population.

Mr. Burt

The information for each decile median is in the tables. Greater disaggregation would not provide statistically reliable results.

Percentage changes in real income by decile group 1979–1987
Decile group medians Income before housing costs Income after housing costs
Decile 1 5 –4
Decile 2 4 0
Decile 3 5 2
Decile 4 9 7
Decile 5 12 11
Decile 6 14 14
Decile 7 16 17
Decile 8 19 20
Decile 9 24 25
Decile 10 35 38

Note: All estimates are subject to sampling error.

Ms Corston

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 16 July 1992, Official Report, columns 946–47, what was the average equivalised income at April 1993 prices of the poorest 20 per cent. and richest 20 per cent. before and after housing costs for 1979, 1981, 1987, 1988–89 and 1992–93.

Mr. Burt

Average median net equivalised income in April 1993 prices (in pounds per week) for the bottom and top 20 per cent. of the income distribution.

Before housing costs
Bottom 20 per cent. Top 20 per cent.
1979 98 294
1981 96 303
1987 102 382
1988–89 102 408
1990–91 101 437

After housing costs
Bottom 20 per cent. Top 20 per cent.
1979 84 260
1981 80 270
1987 83 338
1988–89 83 366
1990–91 81 390

Notes:

1. The information in the tables, before and after housing costs, for the years 1979, 1981, 1987, 1988–89 and 1990–91 (latest years available).

2. All estimates are subject to sampling error.