§ Sir Ralph HowellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what definition his Department has of cyclical social security; and if he will indicate each category of person included with spending on each category in 1994–95, and a forecast of 1995–96,1996–97 and 1997–98. [13616]
14W
§ Mr. Roger EvansI have been asked to reply.
Cyclical social security is defined as unemployment benefit and income support paid to people of working age. From October 1996 it will cover jobseeker's allowance and income support to people of working age.
The client group definition for cyclical social security is as follows:
- "Unemployed" includes Unemployment Benefit (JSA from October 1996) plus IS to the unemployed.
- "Short term sick" is IS to people who are sick for up to six months and who do not receive a disability pension.
- "Long term sick and disabled" is IS paid to disabled people and people who are sick for more than six months.
- "Families" is IS to lone parents.
- "Widows and others" is IS paid to people who do not fall into the other client groups.
The expenditure details are shown in the attached table.
Cyclical Social Security client group expenditure £ millions 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 Unemployed 6,583 6,522 6,473 6,468 Short term sick 429 457 478 503 Long term sick and disabled 2,218 2,290 2,364 2,460 Family 3,992 3,770 3,623 3,836 Widows and others 379 420 468 531 Total 13,602 13,459 13,400 13,800 Notes:
1. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
2. 1994–95 estimated outturn; 1995–96 to 1997–98 planned expenditure.
3. These figures are currently being updated and will be available in the 1996 Departmental report which will be published at the end of March 1996.
Source:
1995 Social Security Departmental Report.