§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will compare the weekly tax threshold for a married man with two children aged between 5 and 11 years with the supplementary benefit level, including an estimated allowance for rent and rates, and with the family income supplement entitlement level, in 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76 and 1976–77, using for 1976–77 the new rates of benefit announced on 7th April and thresholds (a) as proposed in the Finance Bill and (b) assuming acceptance of the 3 per cent. pay ceiling.
§ Mr. OrmeThe table below gives the information requested.
COMPARISON OF TAX THRESHOLD, SUPPLEMENTARY BENEFIT LEVEL AND FIS ENTITLEMENT LEVEL FOR A MARRIED COUPLE WITH TWO CHILDREN AGED OVER 5 AND UNDER 11. Tax threshold Supplementary benefit FIS prescribed amount £ £ £ January 1974 21.44 19.80 24.00 January 1975 24.87 23.82 28.00 January 1976 26.60 31.07 35.00 January 1977(a) 28.90 35.80 43.50 January 1977(b) 31.40 35.80 43.50 Note: The supplementary benefit shown is the sum of the ordinary scale rates for the family, plus an addition for rent and rates, as follows:
1974 £3.25 1975 £4.37 1976 £5.82 1977 £6.45 (estimated)