HC Deb 02 February 1998 vol 305 cc459-60W
Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to tax in the future social security benefits which are presently not taxed; and if he will make a statement. [25293]

Dawn Primarolo

Estimates of the number of families facing marginal deduction rates of below 50 per cent. currently, and assuming they work an hour a week less, and earn £10 a week less:

Millions of families
Working one hour a week less Earning £10 a week less
MDRs
0 per cent. or gains 0.5 0.6
10 per cent. or less 0.6 0.7
20 per cent. or less 0.8 0.8
30 per cent. or less 3.2 3.3
40 per cent. or less 14.1 14.1
50 per cent. or less 15.9 15.9

The estimates are rounded to the nearest 100,000. Based on Family Expenditure Survey data, uprated to 1997–98 levels. Figures are calculated for benefit units where at least one partner is in work.