§ 19. Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the causes of the predicted rise up to 2001–2 in cyclical social security as set out in table 4.6 in the most recent Red Book; what assessment he has made of the implications; and if he will make a statement. [1604]
§ Mr. DarlingThe spending plans inherited by the Government for the period up to 1999–00 assume increases in Cyclical Social Security expenditure from future inflation upratings and future growth in the number of Income Support claimants and the average amounts of benefit paid to them. They are partly offset by an assumption of falling unemployment. Beyond 1999–00 the projections allow for additional growth in expenditure above what would be expected from inflation upratings, in line with that observed in the past. The Government are currently reviewing these plans and will announce the outcome in the Budget.