HC Deb 09 June 1999 vol 332 cc340-1W
Dr. Stoate

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide the latest available figures on the total cost to the Social Security budget of claims by asylum seekers in the years 1993–94 to 1998–99. [86618]

Angela Eagle

The available estimated costs for Income Support (and Jobseeker's Allowance (income based) from 1997), Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are in the table. Information on the other non-contributory benefits is not available.

Asylum seekers—estimated annual expenditure
£ million
Year Total estimated annual expenditure Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance(IB) Housing Benefit Council Tax Benefit
1993–94 340 160 175 5
1994–95 360 180 175 5
1995–96 420 205 205 10
1996–97 400 195 195 10
1997–98 305 150 145 10
1998–991 280 150 120 10
1Forecast expenditure figures

Notes:

1. Estimated annual expenditure figures are rounded to the nearest £5 million. Figures may not sum due to rounding.

2. Income Support/Jobseeker's Allowance estimates will include a number of non-asylum seekers that receive Urgent Case Payments for other reasons.

3. Annual expenditure figures for Income Support/Jobseeker's Allowance have been based on an average of four quarters for the relevant financial year, using number of cases and average weekly amounts.

4. Income Support for the unemployed was replaced by Jobseeker's Allowance in October 1996. Unemployed recipients of Income Support are therefore included in the Income Support estimates for 1995–96 and 1996–97. The 1997–98 figures include Jobseeker's Allowance (income based) recipients (only available for 1997–98).

5. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit estimates have been calculated using the Housing Benefit Management 1 per cent. sample and Departmental Reports, and exclude asylum seekers receiving Housing Benefit who are not receiving Income Support. Numbers of recipients with Housing Benefit but no Income Support are thought to be negligible.

Source:

1. Income Support Statistics Quarterly Inquiries, May 1993 to February 1998.

2. Jobseeker's Allowance Statistics Quarterly Enquiries, May 1997 to February 1998.

3. Housing Benefit Management Information System, annual 1 per cent. sample of claimants in receipt of Income Support, at the end of May in each year given.

4. Departmental Report.