HC Deb 01 May 1995 vol 259 cc107-8W
26. Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security by what percentage the income of people living on benefits has changed in real terms since 1979. [20145]

Mr. Burt

Most family types receiving income support have seen a real terms rise in their benefit rates since 1979, the level of change depending on family size and composition. For example, the benefit rates for a typical unemployed couple with two children are now 24 per cent. higher in real terms than in 1979. During the same period, the income support rates of typical pensioner couple both aged between 65 and 70 have risen by 18 per cent. in real terms.