§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the cost benefits of introducing a 10 pence tax rate(a) assuming revenue neutrality in means tested benefits and (b) assuming adjustments in means-tested benefits to pass the full benefit to claimants in bands of income of £500, assuming that the 10 pence rate (i) is in addition to the existing 20 pence tax rate and that the starting rate of tax is the same and (ii) substitutes for the existing 20 pence tax rate and (iii) is additional for the first £1,000 and then substitutes for the 20 pence tax rate; and if he will estimate the distribution of revenue forgone in each decile of income tax payers ranked by income. [26939]
§ Dawn PrimaroloI regret that such an analysis could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
§ Ms KeebleTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost to the Treasury last year of maintenance allowance in relation to income tax. [27492]
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§ Dawn PrimaroloThe cost of tax relief in respect of maintenance payments in 1996–97 is estimated at £80 million.