Pensioner Tax Credit Scheme (Hansard, 12 July 1979)

§ Mr. Field
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the cost

£ million

Year ended 31 March

1973–74 1974–75 1975–76 1976–77 1977–78

Class 1—

Employee … … … 1,581 1,965 2,302 2,850 3,170

Employer … … … 1,984 2,853 3,678 4,630 5,094

Class 2 … … … 143 169 149 142 157

Class 3 … … … 11 12 10 14 12

Class 4 … … … — — 25 80 116

NOTE: The figures shown relate to the contributions income of the national insurance fund and the former national insurance (industrial injuries) fund; sums allocated to the National Health Service, the redundancy fund and the maternity pay fund are excluded, as are payments of national insurance surcharge, the amounts shown are those received during the year.

§ Mr. Michael Brown
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he 280W of a pensioner tax credit scheme; and if he will estimate the number and percentage of pensioners who would be lifted off (a) supplementary benefit and (b) rent and rate rebates as a result.

§ Mr. Prentice
Clearly it would depend on the level of the tax credits among other things. I am writing to the hon. Member.

£ million
					Year ended 31 March
				1973–74	1974–75	1975–76	1976–77	1977–78
Class 1—
Employee	…	…	…	1,581	1,965	2,302	2,850	3,170
Employer	…	…	…	1,984	2,853	3,678	4,630	5,094
Class 2	…	…	…	143	169	149	142	157
Class 3	…	…	…	11	12	10	14	12
Class 4	…	…	…	—	—	25	80	116