§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the effect on the total Social Security budget in(a) 2000–01 and (b) 2001–02 of making benefits available only to those aged (i) 0 to 16 years, and to 21 years for those in further or higher education, and (ii) over 60 years. [24441]
§ Mr. DenhamThe information requested can be provided only at disproportionate costs.
91WThe closest readily available figures are for departmental expenditure by type of benefit.
The impact of paying only pensioner and family benefits on departmental expenditure £ million 1998–99 1999–2000 Total benefit expenditure (A) 99,190 102,930 Expenditure on families and pensioners (B) 63,450 65,720 Estimated effect (A)-(B) 35,740 37,210 Notes:
- 1. Figures are not available after 1999–2000.
- 2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 million pounds.
- 3. Expenditure on non income-related benefits has been classified by reason for payment of benefit rather than the group to whom the benefit is paid. For example, disability benefits which are paid to pensioners are treated as disability benefits and are therefore included in the estimated savings.
- 4. Income-Related benefit expenditure has been classified by the group to whom the benefit is paid. For example, Income Support expenditure on pensioners will not be included as part of the savings, whereas IS expenditure on the non pensioner disabled will.
- 5. Income Support and Social fund expenditure in the family category represents Lone Parents and therefore excludes spending on two parent families. The two parent family expenditure for these benefits are therefore included as part of the savings. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit expenditure in the family category includes some spending on other groups which is not readily identified.
Source:
Based on table 5 in the 1997 Departmental Report.