HC Deb 19 July 1999 vol 335 c440W
Dr. Harris

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost of allowing credited National Insurance contributions by carers in receipt of invalid care allowance to be included in determining entitlement for contribution based on jobseeker's allowance, when the caring responsibilities of the carer come to an end. [90769]

Angela Eagle

The net cost of allowing credited National Insurance contributions by carers in receipt of Invalid Care Allowance to be treated as earnings in determining entitlement to Jobseeker' s Allowance (JSA) is estimated at around £3 million at April 1999 benefit rates.

Note:

Estimate rounded to nearest £1 million.

Sources:

1. Lifetime Labour Market Database. 1 per cent. sample of National Insurance Recording System taken at February 1997.

2. JSA quarterly 5 per cent. scan taken between February 1997 and February 1998.