§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for how many women child benefit was the only source of independent income for each year since 1990. [26763]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellThe figures from 1990 to 1993, the latest year for which information is available, are in the table. Estimates are based on the family expenditure survey. Independent income is interpreted as any income recorded and attributed to the individual on the FES. It is uncertain how individuals will record and attribute between themselves particular types of income—for example, income from benefits or investments—and whether treatment will be consistent over time. Therefore conclusions based on year-on-year comparisons must be drawn with caution.
The figures quoted of course exclude those lone parents in receipt of child benefit whose main source of income is income support.
Year Number of women 1990 845,000 1991 855,000 1992 930,000 1993 785,000 Notes:
- 1. Independent income excludes benefit paid in respect of local taxes—rate rebates, community charge benefit, council tax benefit.
- 2. Estimates are based on the family expenditure survey for the United Kingdom and are rounded to the nearest 5,000.