§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the modelled average levels of(a) gross council tax bills and (b) net council tax bills of pensioner households, in (i) 1998–99 and (ii) 1999–2000 which are produced by his Policy Simulation Model. [96673]
§ Angela EagleThe information is in the table.
248W
Average annual council tax bills of pensioner households from the Department's policy simulation model £ Gross council tax bill Net council tax bill 1998–99 630 470 1999–2000 670 510 Notes:
1. Figures are rounded to the nearest £10.
2. The 1998–99 figures are based on the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey uprated to 1998–99 prices, benefit levels and caseloads. Council Tax benefit caseloads and average amounts are calibrated to DSS forecasts consistent with the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review.
3. The 1999–2000 figures are based on the 1996–97 Family Resources Survey uprated to 1999–2000 prices, benefit levels and caseloads. Council Tax benefit caseloads and average amounts are calibrated to DSS forecasts consistent with the 1999 Departmental Report.
4. A "pensioner household" is defined as a household containing a person aged 60 or over within the head benefit unit.
5. Gross Council Tax is defined as Council Tax liability for the year, net of any discounts. Net Council Tax is defined as Gross Council Tax net of any Council Tax Benefit payable.
6. Gross Council Tax estimates in the Policy Simulation Model are based on data provided by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions which are then uprated to the relevant policy year using DSS forecasts.