§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the number of households whose after—tax income will be reduced by the forthcoming restriction of tax relief on the married couples allowance from 20 per cent. to 15 per cent. [17179]
§ Sir George Young[holding answer 30 March 1995]: About 7 million married couples will have their after—tax income reduced after allowing for changes in allowances and thresholds. The increase in age—related allowances will offset the married couples allowance restriction for most taxpayers aged 65 or over. Married couples will pay almost £5 a week less in tax than most single people on similar incomes in 1995–96.