§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many(a) men and (b) women in (i) full and (ii) part-time employment receive housing or family income benefit;
(2) what is the number of people in work whose rates of take-home pay entitle them to housing or family income benefits.
§ Mr. Roger EvansInformation is not available in the precise form requested. The available information is in the table. Part-time employment has been interpreted to mean employment for fewer than 30 hours per week. Housing or family income benefits have been interpreted to mean housing benefit or family credit. A breakdown of full-time and part-time workers receiving housing benefit is not available.
In addition to those actually receiving family credit and housing benefit, there will be some families who have not taken up their entitlement to benefit. Latest estimates of housing benefit take-up, which are for 1992, show that between 310,000 and 600,000 people, 7 to 12 per cent. of those eligible, are not taking up their entitlement. Not all of these people will be in work. It is estimated that in 1991 and 1992, 160,000 families had levels of take-home pay that would bring entitlement to family credit if a claim were made.
From July 1995, a £10 premium will be introduced in family credit for those working 30 hours or more per week. It is estimated that 345,000 families will benefit from this change, including 50,000 who will become newly entitled to family credit.
all or of some of the functions of the compensation recovery unit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roger EvansNone.