HC Deb 08 April 1986 vol 95 cc94-5W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual cost to the Exchequer of an unemployed married man with two children.

Mr. MacGregor

An unemployed married man with two children aged four and six would be entitled to about £3,000 a year in benefits in respect of his unemployment. It is not possible to estimate the revenue forgone.

Note: This calculation, at November 1985 benefit rates, assumes that the claimant is entitled to and claims the full rate of unemployment benefit with, in addition, supplementary benefit. Housing benefit, free school meals, and free welfare foods, to which he would also be entitled, have been excluded from this calculation as these benefits are also available to low-income families in work. Child benefit has also been excluded as it is paid to all families with children, regardless of means.