HC Deb 19 July 1995 vol 263 cc1486-7W
Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the shares of total income for each decile of the population, after housing costs were deducted, in(a) 1979 and (b) in the last year for which figures are available. [35223]

Mr. Andrew Mitchell

The information is in the table. Figures for 1992–93 may be subject to slight revision. The information is presented including and excluding the self-employed, whose reported income may be an unreliable guide to their actual standard of living. A further response will he given as soon as possible.

Percentage shares of total weekly income after housing costs received by individuals in each decile group of the UK income distribution
Decile group Including self-employed Excluding self-employed
1979 1992–93 1979 1992–93
Bottom 4.0 1.9 4.1 2.3
2 5.6 4.1 5.7 4.2
3 6.5 5.0 6.6 5.2
4 7.5 6.3 7.6 6.4
5 8.5 7.6 8.6 7.8
6 10 9.0 10 9.2
7 11 11 11 11
8 12 12 12 13
9 14 15 14 15
Top 21 28 20 26

Notes:

1. Estimates for the bottom 10 per cent. should be treated with caution as they are sensitive to data of uncertain reliability at the bottom end of the income distribution.

2. All members are presented to two significant figures.

3. Income is current weekly disposal income.