HC Deb 14 March 2000 vol 346 c146W
Ms Kelly

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of increasing Statutory Maternity Pay at 90 per cent. of earnings to 18 weeks, but restricting the additional entitlement to those women not paying the higher rate tax. [113660]

Mr. Bayley

The estimated cost of increasing Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) at 90 per cent. of earnings to 18 weeks but, restricting the additional entitlement to women not paying higher rate tax, is an additional full year cost of £460 million.

Note:

This estimate is based on the Government Actuary's Department projection of 2000–01 average case load of SMP.