§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Education which elements of gross income and allowed expenditure are discounted in order to reach the figure for assessment purposes in respect of the amount of parental contribution to fees to be paid in the assisted places scheme.
§ Mr. Robin SquireAs a general principle, parents must declare their gross annual income from all sources for the purpose of assessment under the assisted places scheme. Non-taxable social security benefits are excluded from the assessment of parents' relevant income. For self-employed persons, deductions from the gross profit amount agreed with HM inspector of taxes may be made only in respect of capital allowances, losses and stock relief. In all cases, an allowance—£1,140 in the current academic year, 1994—95—is made for each child, other than the assisted place holder, or other dependent relative in the household. This reduces the relevant income figure and helps larger families in particular. The only other allowance which is discounted from gross income is the blind person's allowance.