HC Deb 08 February 2000 vol 344 cc130-1W
Mr. Swinney

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the impact on benefit payments in the next financial year of a single minimum wage for all age groups of(a) £4.00 per hour, (b) £4.20 per hour and (c) £4.50 per hour. [108674]

Angela Eagle

The information is in the table.

Estimated savings in 2000–01 on benefit payments of a national minimum wage of £4.00, £4.20 and £4.50
£ million
£4.00 £4.20 £4.50
Income Support/JSA (IB) -30 -50 -70
Housing Benefit -50 -100 -140
Council Tax Benefit -10 -20 -30
Total -90 -170 -240

Notes:

1. Estimates based on 1996–97 Family Resources Survey data, uprated to 2000–01 prices and benefit rates.

2. Estimates rounded to the nearest £5 million. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

3. Estimates assume no secondary effects on employment or wages.