§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants of incapacity benefit would qualify for means-tested benefits if incapacity benefit were withdrawn. [27665]
637W
§ Mr. DenhamThe information requested is set out in the table.
Estimate of the additional number of people who would become entitled to the various income related benefits if incapacity benefit were withdrawn Benefit Numbers Income Support 400,000 Housing Benefit 50,000 Council Tax Benefit 240,000 Family Credit 20,000 Notes:
1. Numbers based on caseload figures as at 31 August 1997 rounded to nearest 10,000.
2. It is assumed that Incapacity Benefit recipients over State pension age would claim Retirement Pension. Some may incur a loss as Retirement Pension is taxable where in prescribed circumstances Incapacity Benefit is not. It is not, however, possible to estimate the proportion of this group which might claim income related benefits with any accuracy.
3. Figures in the right hand column cannot be summed as one claimant may be entitled to a number of different benefits.
Source:
Family Resources Survey and DSS.