HC Deb 30 November 1987 vol 123 cc481-2W
Mr. Clay

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people above the level of income support and paying average rent and rates will be entitled to housing benefit in April 1988, broken down into pensioners, two-parent families and one-parent families.

Mr. Portillo

[holding answer 13 November 1987]: It is estimated that the number of people with incomes above the level of income support who will be receiving housing benefit in April 1988 will be as follows:

Thousands
Pensioners 1,950
Two parent families 150
One parent families 100
Others 400
Total 2,600

Note:

These figures include households paying all levels of rent and rates since it would not be possible to isolate those paying exactly the average level.

Mr. Clay

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the latest figures for the numbers of people claiming housing benefit; and if he will give an estimate of the numbers that will be entitled to claim after April 1988, broken down into pensioners, two-parent families and one-parent families.

Mr. Portillo

[holding answer 13 November 1987]: The information requested is as follows:

  1. 1. The latest estimate is that in the autumn of 19861 some 7.2 million households were in receipt of housing benefit.
  2. 2. It is estimated that the number of people receiving housing benefit after April 1988 will be:
Thousands
Pensioners 3,550
Two parent families 650
One parent families 600
Others 1,300
Total 6,100

Note:

The two total figures are derived from different sources, and it would therefore be misleading to make a direct comparison between them.

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