HC Deb 27 April 1993 vol 223 c380W
Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the full year cost of abolishing all the capital limits for all social security benefits.

Mr. Burt

Using data from the 1988, 1989 and 1990 Family Expenditure Surveys modelled at 1993–94 prices and benefit levels, we estimate that the cost would be approximately £1,590 million.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people would receive increased benefit payments if all the capital limits for social security benefits were abolished.

Mr. Burt

Using data from the 1988, 1989 and 1990 Family Expenditure Surveys modelled at 1993–94 prices and benefit levels, we estimate that the number of people who would receive increased payments (including those who currently receive no payment) would be as shown in the table.

Benefit Gainers
Income support 800,000
Housing benefit 400,000
Council tax benefit 1,360,000
Family credit 50,000