§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will tabulate the net weekly spending power, after taking into account tax, benefit,
April 1976: rent £4.72; rates £1.90; work expenses £1.75.
April 1977: rent £5.60; rates £2.20; work expenses £2.
(a) WIDOWED MOTHER NOT WORKING Widowed mother's allowance Family allowances/Child benefit Rent rebate Rates rebate Free school meals Free Welfare milk Net weekly spending power April 1976 … … 24.80 1.50 4.72 1.90 0.75 — 27.05 April 1977 … … 27.70 2.50 5.60 2.20 0.75 — 30.95 Note: There was no entitlement to supplementary benefit or liability for tax.
(b) WIDOWED MOTHER EARNING £30 PER WEEK Widowed mother's allowance and earnings Tax National Insurance Family allowances/Child benefit Rent rebate Rates rebate Free School meals and Welfare milk Net weekly spending power April: 1976 54.80 8–37 0.60 1.50 — 0.08 — 39.04 1977(a) 57.70 8.79 0.60 2.50 0.51 0.31 — 41.83 1977(b) 57.70 8.28 0.60 2.50 0.51 0.31 — 42.34 Notes:
1. The figures for April 1977 reflect the proposed tax changes announced in the Budget, (a) based on a tax rate 35 per cent. and (b) a tax rate of 33 per cent.
2. There was no entitlement to family income supplement.
3. National Insurance contributions at the reduced rate.