HC Deb 24 July 1996 vol 282 c590W
Mr. Alan Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate in each case of(a) numbers gaining and (b) the cost of introducing a taper of (i) 50 per cent. and (ii) 70 per cent. above the earnings limit to people in receipt of invalid care allowance. [39182]

Mr. Burt

The information is set out in the table:

1996–97 50 per cent.taper 70 per cent. Taper
Net expenditure £15 million £15 million
Average gainers in year 25,000 20,000

1. Estimates are based on data from a small sample and should be treated with caution.

2. The calculations are based on deducting either 50p or 70p (depending on whether it is the 50 per cent. or 70 per cent. taper) from the average rate of Invalid Care Allowance for each pound earned about the earnings limit of £50.00.

3. Estimates are rounded to the nearest 5,000 (caseload) and £5 million (expenditure).

Mr. Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of(a) the numbers gaining from and (b) the cost of raising the earnings limit for invalid care allowance to (i) £55.10 and (ii) £61. [39183]

Mr. Burt

The information is set out in the table:

1996–97 Raising limit to £55.10 Raising limit to £61.00
Net expenditure £5 million £10 million
Average gainers in year 5,000 5,000

1. Estimates are based on data from a small sample and should be treated with caution.

2. Estimates are rounded to the nearest 5,000 (caseload) and £5 million (expenditure).