HC Deb 02 February 1982 vol 17 c121W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many awards of death grant were made in 1980 and 1981; what were the administrative costs; and what was the total cost to the Exchequer.

Mr. Rossi

Corresponding figures for 1981 are not available. Estimates of costs are based on financial years. In 1980–81 expenditure on death grant itself was £16 million and associated administrative costs were £8 million. The provisional estimates for 1981–82 are based on an estimated 630,000 awards, involving benefit cost of £17 million and administrative costs of £8.5 million.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the purpose of having a sliding scale for death grant up to 17 years.

Mr. Rossi

The lower rates of death grant for children are based on the evidence quoted in paragraph 159 of the Beveridge report, "Social Insurance and Allied Services", Cmnd. 6404, indicating lower funeral costs in such cases.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of paying the death grant at a level of £190 (a) using the current system of qualification and (b) extending the benefit without age limit to all cases of death.

Mr. Rossi

The extra annual benefit cost would be(a) £92 million and (b) £112 million.

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