HC Deb 25 June 1997 vol 296 c566W
Mr. Nigel Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list for each of the last 10 years for which figures are available how much(a) income support, (b) housing benefit and (c) council tax relief has been claimed by men aged between 60 and 64 years. [3845]

Mr. Bradley

Modernising the Social Security system to reduce poverty and welfare dependency and to promote work incentives is one of this Government's key priorities.

The available information is in the tables.

Income support
£ million
Year Income support
1987–88 n/a
1988–89 n/a
1989–90 435.9
1990–91 442.7
1991–92 504.5
1992–93 559.9
1993–94 618.3
1994–95 646.3
1995–96 649.4
1996–97 661.6

Source:

Income Support Annual Statistical Enquiries May 1989–May 1992. Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiries May 1993–May 1996.

Housing benefit and council tax benefit
£million
Year Housing Benefit Council Tax Benefit
1994–95 223 64
1995–96 218 59

Source:

Housing Benefit Management Information System and Departmental Report.

Notes:

1. Figures are estimated.

2. Figures are not available for years prior to 1994 because no data were held which identified recipients by gender.