HL Deb 13 March 1998 vol 587 c89WA
Lord Monkswell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proportion of the male population between the ages of 16 and 35 years are in receipt of incomes above the threshold of income support/family credit for a family with two children under five years of age. [HL779]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)

It is estimated that in 1995–96, there were 7.4 million adult males (with and without children) between the ages of 16 and 35 years in Great Britain. Of these, 66 per cent. were in receipt of incomes above the threshold of income support for a family with two children under five years of age and 44 per cent. were in receipt of incomes above the equivalent threshold of family credit.

Notes:

1. Figures are for the financial year 1995–96 and come from the Department's Households Below Average Income (HBAI) series, based on the Family Resources Survey (FRS). The FRS data was used to achieve a large enough sample size to provide more robust information. All results are subject to sampling error. The benefit rates also relate to the period 1995–96.

2. Sixteen to 18 year-olds who are in full-time education are not included in this count. Some students are not covered by the Family Resources Survey.

3. The income measure used was net unequivalised individual income, with child benefit and one parent benefit discounted when calculating those above the family credit threshold. Income is that reported as accruing to the man; income attributed to any partner is ignored.

4. Threshold has been defined as the level of income at which entitlement to the benefit runs out.

5. The income support threshold was calculated to be £115.15 per week, comprising the rate for a couple where both are over the age of 18 (£73), the family premium (£10.25) and £15.95 for each dependent child.

6. The family credit threshold was calculated to be £170 per week, comprising the adult credit of £45.10 (assuming the adult is working less than 30 hours per week), £11.40 for each dependent child and then adjusted for the 70 per cent. taper.