HC Deb 12 July 1979 vol 970 c291W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the 1979–80 cost of mortgage interest rebate; how many people are affected; and what is the average amount of tax relief per owner occupier.

Mr. Peter Rees

The full year cost of mortgage interest relief at 1979–80 income levels is estimated to be approximately £1,400 million. The number of mortgagors benefiting from tax relief is not known precisely, but is about 5½ million out of a total of 6.4 million mortgagors, including option mortgagors. There are about 11.6 million owner occupiers. The cost of relief per owner occupier is therefore about £120.