§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many children in families receiving(a) Income Support and (b) Jobseeker's Allowance are receiving support through (i) the Tax Credits system and (ii) Income Support personal allowances; and if he will make a statement on the transition between the two systems. [151014]
§ Mr.Pond[holding answer 26 January 2004]The latest broadly comparable Child Tax Credit, and Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance figures available are for August 2003.
In August 2003 there were 2,224,900 dependants in families receiving Income Support, and 177,000 dependants in families receiving Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance. These figures include dependents in families receiving child allowances for dependants and those in families receiving Tax Credits.
1600WThere were 186,400 dependants in families receiving Tax Credits and Income Support, and 90,000 dependants in families receiving Tax Credits and claiming Jobseeker's Allowance2.
My right hon. Friend the Paymaster General will make a statement shortly on our plans for bringing Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance claimants with children into the Child Tax Credit.
Notes:
1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100.
2. 'Dependants' are children and young persons aged up to 19.
Sources:
1 Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance; five per cent. sample of the benefit computer system, Income Support at 31 August 2003, Jobseeker's Allowance at 14 August 2003.
2 Tax Credits: Inland Revenue; mixed sample of 10 per cent. of single adults and 20 per cent. of couples claiming Tax Credits at 29 August 2003.