Benefits (Hansard, 14 April 1980)

§ Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list the gross savings, the net savings and the extra numbers which will require supplementary benefit in 1980–81 and 1981–82, respectively, as the result of his decision to abate invalidity benefit by five points; and what is his estimate of the number of invalidity pensioners whose income in 1980–81 would not have exceeded their personal tax allowance even if the increase in their pension had not been abated;

(2) what is his estimate of the gross savings, the net savings and the extra numbers which will become entitled to supplementary benefit as a result of his decision (a) to abate the increase in sickness benefit and (b) to phase out the earnings-related supplement to sickness benefit in 1980–81 and in a full year; and what is his estimate of the number of people receiving sickness benefit whose income in 1980–81 would not have exceeded their personal tax allowance even if the increase had not been abated;

(3) what is his estimate of the gross savings, the net savings and the extra 545W number which will become entitled to supplementary benefit as a result of his decision (a) to abate the increase in unemployment benefit and (b) to phase out the earnings-related supplement to unemployment benefit in 1980–81 and in a full year; and what is his estimate of the number of people receiving unemployment benefit whose income in 1980–81 would not have exceeded their personal tax allowance even if the increase had not been abated;

(4) what is his estimate of the gross savings and net savings and the extra numbers which will become eligible for supplementary benefit, as a result of his decision to abate the maternity allowance by five points; and what is his estimate of the number of women whose income in 1980–81 would not have exceeded their own personal tax allowances even if the maternity allowance had been unabated;

(5) what is his estimate of the increase in the number of people who will become entitled to means-tested benefits in 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83 and 1983–84; what is his estimate of the increased number of officials who will be required to administer claims; and if he will make a statement.