§ Mr. KempTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what savings he estimates will be achieved in 673W the social security budget for 1999–2000 as a result of the introduction of the national minimum wage within (a)the northern region and (b) the city of Sunderland. [70369]
§ Mr. DarlingThe information is not available in the form requested. Such information as is available is in the table.
Estimates of the effect on DSS benefit expenditure of the introduction of the national minimum wage £ million (1999/2000) Benefit Savings Income Support 10 Jobseeker's Allowance (income-based) 10 Housing Benefit 110 Family Credit/Working Families Tax Credit 185 Council Tax Benefit 25 Total 340 Notes:
1. Savings figures are calculated by raising the earnings of current benefit recipients to the level of the National Minimum Wage. No other factors are taken into account.
2. Estimates are based on the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey, imposing the 1999–2000 tax and benefit structure, assuming 1998–99 levels of caseloads, prices, benefit rates and earnings. Estimates are rounded to the nearest £5 million.