HC Deb 10 November 1998 vol 319 cc167-8W
Mr. Rendel

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost of calculating housing benefit and council tax benefit for lone parents using the applicable amounts used for couples. [59156]

Angela Eagle

The estimated cost of calculating Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for lone parents using the applicable amounts used for couples would be £185 million in Housing Benefit and £25 million in Council Tax Benefit.

Notes

  1. 1. Information drawn from the 1995/96 Family Resources Survey, uprated to 1999/2000 prices and benefit levels.
    2. 168
  2. 2. Estimated caseloads adjusted using May 1997 administrative data and calibrated in line with the Department's forecasts consistent with the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR).
  3. 3. Estimates are at 1999/2000 prices and are rounded to the nearest £5 million.
  4. 4. The reply assumes that the lone parent rate of the Family Premium will continue for those who qualify for it.

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