HC Deb 08 March 1989 vol 148 c573W
Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish a table showing(a) the figures in table 15.8 of Cm. 615 in constant 1988–89 prices, (b) the numbers receiving the benefits in each category and (c) an index showing the level of real expenditure per recipient in each category.

Total benefit expenditure by broad groups of beneficiaries in real terms (1988–89 prices)
1983–84 outturn 1984–85 outturn 1985–86 outturn 1986–87 outturn 1987–88 outturn 1988–892 outturn 1989–90 plans 1990–91 plans 1991–92 plans
Elderly people 21,760 22,000 22,710 23,530 23,580 22,960 123,580 124,600 125,100
Sick and disabled people 5,530 5,990 6,350 6,960 7,250 7,600 8,260 9,000 9,600
Family 7,440 7,710 7,910 8,040 8,110 7,990 8,130 8,600 9,000
Unemployed people 6,960 7,320 7,640 7,730 6,640 5,430 4,990 5,100 5,300
Widows and orphans 1,340 1,320 1,280 1,250 1,200 1,190 1,160 1,200 1,100
Total benefit expenditure 43,020 44,340 45,890 47,520 46,770 45,170 146,120 148,400 150,100
1 Includes extra help for poorer pensioners on income support from October 1989, announced on 24 November 1988 at column 249, of about £100 million in 1989–90 and £200 million in both 1990–91 and 1991–92.
2 Estimated.