§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people who no longer receive(a) one and (b) more than one means-tested benefit due to the introduction of the minimum wage; and if he will make a statement. [24104]
§ Malcolm WicksThe information is not available in the format requested. The number of people affected by the introduction of the minimum wage will vary year on year as people move off benefit and into work. For 2001–02 we estimate that up to 50,000 people no longer receive one or more of income support, housing benefit or council tax benefit as a result of the introduction of the national minimum wage.
Notes:
1. Estimate is for 2001–02 and is based on 1998–99 Family Resources Survey data, uprated to 2001–02 prices and benefit rates. Minimum wage and benefit receipt have been modelled within the Policy Simulation Model.
2. Estimate is rounded to the nearest 10,000.
3. Estimate is based on minimum wage rates of £4.10 for those aged over 21 and £3.70 for those aged 18–21.