§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total cost of non-means tested benefits in 1996–97; and what estimates he has made of the costs of means tested benefits in 1997–98 separately identifying (i) the cost of payments to customers and (ii) the cost of administration. [26981]
§ Mr. DenhamInformation is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table.
Cost of payments to customers for benefit expenditure only £ million 1996–97 1997–98 Non-means tested benefit 60,152 — Means tested benefit — 33,530 Note:
The information about the cost of administration is not available. The information requested for 1996–97 is currently being finalised and will be included in the Departmental Report scheduled for publication following the Spring Budget Statement. The report will also contain benefit forecasts and forecasts for contributory and non-contributory benefits administration costs on a Departmental basis only. Administration costs are not forecast by individual benefit.
Source:
March 1997 Social Security Departmental Report.