Social Security Budget

HC Deb 29 July 1988 vol 138 c822W

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he will publish in theOfficial Report a table showing in terms of 1985 prices expenditure under the social security budget under the principal heads in 1986–87 and 1987–88; and if he will include his estimate for 1988–89.

Mr. Scott

The information requested is set out in the table. The figures are based on the cash provision shown in the public expenditure White Paper published in January 1988.

Expenditure1 in 1985–86 prices2 divided by broad groups of beneficiary Great Britain
£ million
	1986–87	1987–88	1988–89
Elderly people	20,370	20,490	20,400
Sick and disabled people	6,020	6,330	6,500
Unemployed people	6,690	5,980	5,800
Widows and orphans	1,090	1,040	1,000
Family benefits3	6,960	6,910	7,000
Administration	1,880	2,060	2,100
Total	43,010	42,810	42,800

Notes:

¹ Analysis covers all public expenditure on the social security programme.

² Converted to 1985–86 prices using the GDP deflator.

³ Includes housing benefit paid to people in work.