HC Deb 19 November 1996 vol 285 cc509-10W
Ms Mowlam

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the percentage of the population of Northern Ireland on means-tested benefit in each of the last 10 years. [3862]

Mr. Moss

The means-tested benefits are as followsincome support family credit housing benefit

These benefits are paid to benefit units. A benefit unit is a single person or a couple, with or without children. As these statistics are for benefit units, it is not appropriate to use the population of Northern Ireland as the denominator. The number in receipt of the benefits is as follows:

Year Income support1 Family credit2 Housing benefit3
1987 190,780 14,825 202,400
1988 183,715 14,839 160,000
1989 182,235 14,908 164,200
1990 188,643 14,500 164,200
Year Income support1 Family credit2 Housing benefit3
1991 196,342 13,801 166,500
1992 204,940 15,819 166,500
1993 215,365 18,555 178,500
1994 222,621 22,052 180,700
1995 226,251 23,668 182,400
1996 229,461 24,995 186,700
1Data at May each year.
2Data at April each year.
3Average number receiving at any time.

Ms Mowlam

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of pensioners in Northern Ireland rely solely on means-tested benefits. [3860]

Mr. Moss

This information is not available in the form requested.