§ Mr. SwinneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the annual cost of restoring benefits to 16 and 17-year-olds in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) Scotland. [106668]
§ Angela EagleWe believe that every young person should have the opportunity to achieve their potential. That is why our aim is to engage 16 and 17-year-olds in education, training or work with training, rather than starting their adult lives dependent on the benefits system.
Departments are working together to develop and implement the proposals in the Government White Paper, "Learning to Succeed", and the Social Exclusion Unit's report, "Bridging the Gap", which are aimed at supporting young people in making a successful transition from childhood to adult life.
The estimated cost of restoring full entitlement to Social Security benefits to 16 to 17-year-olds in Great Britain would be £100 million per annum, at present rates for the under 18s. The equivalent cost for Scotland would be in the order of £10 million per annum. These costs do not make any allowance for possible changes in labour market behaviour as a result of these changes.
The figures refer to Great Britain and Scotland. For information about Northern Ireland I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Notes:
1. Based on data taken from the 1997–98 Family Resources Survey.
2. Rounded to the nearest £10 million.