§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide his latest estimates for the total numbers of standard housing benefit recipients, differentiating as far as possible between those below and above pensionable age; and if he will estimate how many in each group are also liable for income tax.
§ Mr. WhitneyI shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of all those in receipt of standard housing benefit with an income (a) above the needs allowance and (b) below the needs allowance have children: and in each case what percentage of those below pensionable age have children.
§ Mr. Whitney[pursuant to his reply, 17 December 1984, c. 49]: It is estimated that in Great Britain in autumn 1983, the latest date for which figures are available, 20 per cent. of all standard housing benefit recipients with income above the needs allowance had dependent children. The corresponding estimate of those with incomes below the needs allowance was 18 per cent. Of standard recipients below pensionable age, families with dependent children represented 49 per cent. of those with incomes above and 50 per cent. of those with incomes below the needs allowance.