§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be next November the net weekly income—taking into account allowance for rent and rates, free school meals and any other means-tested benefits—of a married man with eight children dependent on supplementary allowance; and what gross weekly wage he would have to earn in order to obtain equivalent spending power from employment.
§ Mr. OrmeFrom 15th November 1976, the net weekly spending power of a married man with eight children dependent on supplementary allowance will be £64.95.
It is not possible at present to give a precise gross earnings equivalent, since new qualifying levels for some of the benefits mentioned by the hon. Member have not been announced, but it is estimated that gross earnings would need to be somewhere between £50 and £55.
ASSUMPTIONS:
- 1. Ages of children: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15.
- 2. Gross rent £5.38, gross rates £2.18.
- 3. Work expenses: £1.75.
Net weekly spending power is defined as: gross earnings or benefit less tax, NI contributions, gross rent and rates, work expenses, plus family allowance, family income supplement, rent and rate rebates, and the value of free school meals and free welfare milk, as appropriate.