§ 15. Mr. DykesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give the total number of people claiming income support in the United Kingdom at the most recent date for which final figures are available, 12 months and two years before.
§ Miss WiddecombeIn Great Britain in 1988 4,352,000 claimants were receiving income support, in 1989 there were 4,161,000 and in 1990, the latest year for which figures are available, there were 4,180,000. Figures for Northern Ireland are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Source: Annual Statistical Enquiries May 1988, 1989 and 1990.
§ Mr. McLeishTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many young people aged 16 and 17 years are receiving income support for the most recent date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. JackAn estimated 21,000 16 and 17-year-olds were claiming income support in May 1990, the most recent date for which figures are available.
431WSource: Income Support Statistics, Annual Enquiry May 1990.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will bring forward proposals to make income support available in full from the time of claim.
§ Miss WiddecombeFor those over pension age, full entitlement is paid from the payday which coincides with or next follows the date of claim. For those under pension age, entitlement accrues from the date of claim and is paid on the first following payday. These arrangements are in line with the way wages, other benefits and pensions are paid and there are therefore no proposals for change.