HC Deb 17 March 1986 vol 94 cc82-3W
Mr. William Shelton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the percentage of the total adult population in the United Kingdom who pay income tax.

Mr. Moore

In 1985–86 it is estimate that about 65 per cent. of the total of single people and married couples pay income tax. The figures exclude young people aged under 16 and those over 16 still at school.

Sir Peter Horden

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what a single person earning £140 a week would pay now, in income tax and national insurance contributions, at the current rates, allowances and rate bands; and what such a person would pay at 1978–79 rates, allowances and rate bands.

Mr. Moore

[pursuant to his reply, 13 March 1986, c. 582]: The information for each year is as follows:

(£ per week)
1978–79 1985–86
Earnings 140.00 140.00
Income Tax 38.80 29.28
NIC 7.80 12.60
Income Tax + NIC 46.60 41.88

Sir Peter Hordern

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what a single person earning £8,500 a year would have to pay in income tax (a) at rates, allowances and rate bands and (b) at rates, allowances and rate bands obtaining in June 1979.

Mr. Moore

[pursuant to his reply, 13 March 1986, c. 582]: The information for each year is as follows:

(£ per annum)
*1979–80 1985–86
Earnings 8,500 8,500
Income Tax 2,163 1,888.50
*At income tax rates and allowances for 1979–80 in the Finance (No. 2) Act 1979.