Means-tested Benefits

HC Deb 25 March 1993 vol 221 c678W

Mr. Dewar

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will update the answer of 3 March,Official Report, column 203, on the number of taxpaying households in receipt of means-tested benefits, giving estimates for 1993–94

Mr. Burt

My reply to the hon. Member on 3 March 1993 shows the position at May 1990 which is the la test date for which the information requested is available.

Forecasting methods currently used by the Department for housing benefit and council tax benefit do not produce forecasts for specific types of taxpaying household. Forecasting methods are being developed which will enable forecasts of some broad grouping of households. It is anticipated that these developments will be available later this year.