§ 23. Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are currently dependent on means-tested benefits; and what the figure was in 1979. [11393]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe latest estimate is that 15.04 million people live in families receiving income support, family credit, disability working allowance, housing benefit or council tax benefit. It is not possible to make a direct comparison with the position in 1979.
Notes:
1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10,000.
2. Beneficiaries are defined as claimants, their partners and dependants.
3. Means tested benefits are defined as income support, housing benefit, council tax community charge benefit, family credit, and disability working allowance.
4. Disability working allowance was introduced in April 1992.
5. Council tax benefit replaced community charge benefit from April 1993.
190W6. Housing Benefit and Council tax benefit figures exclude cases where there is no entitlement because of non-dependent deductions.
7. Council tax benefit cases do not include second adult rebate cases.
8. Income support replaced supplementary benefit in April 1988.
9. Family Credit replaced family income supplement in April 1988.
Source:
1. Housing benefit management information system, annual 1 per cent. sample taken at the end of May 1995.
2. Family credit 5 per cent. sample of awards.
3. Disability working allowance 100 per cent. count of claims.
4. Income support statistics quarterly enquiry May 1995.