§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the current take-up of the housing benefit allowance.
§ Dr. BoysonThe latest available data relate to take-up in 1982. As I said in my reply to the hon. Member on 14 November — [Vol. 48, c.334] — these figures are currently being analysed. I expect to be able to let the hon. Member have a reply shortly.
§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many households he estimates will fall into the poverty trap as a result of changes in housing benefit announced in November.
§ Dr. BoysonThe marginal tax rate of some 130,000 households, where the main source of income is earnings, will rise by either 6p or 12p in the pound. This will bring the marginal tax rate for the great majority of these families to 79p in the pound.