HC Deb 25 November 1999 vol 339 cc196-7W
Mr. Willetts

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his statement on page 157 of the pre-Budget report, if he will give figures for the effect on social security spending in each of the years (a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02 as a result of (i) the revised assumption for unemployment, (ii) the reassessment of future rents and (iii) lower projected disability benefit caseloads. [99400]

Mr. Darling

The information is in the table. The figures are consistent with those published in the November 1999 Pre-Budget Report, and show expenditure in Great Britain.

£ million
1999–2000 2000–01 2000–02
Revised assumption of unemployment -1,170 -2,200 -2,380
Reassessment of future rents -110 -260 -410
Lower projected disability benefit caseloads1 -250 -585 -920
1This figure covers changes in projected caseloads for Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, and Severe Disablement Allowance.

Note:

Figures rounded to the nearest –10 million