HC Deb 28 February 2001 vol 363 cc696-7W
Mr. Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will update the table, using the latest statistical information his Department has, stating sources in each case, published on 9 November 1998,Official Report, column 96W. [150877]

The estimated number of households in receipt of Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (income related), Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit in 2000–01
Thousand
Income Support/ Jobseeker's Allowance (income related) Housing Benefit Council Tax Benefit
Single (no children) 2,610 2,200 2,640
Couple (no children) 450 690 1,080
Lone parent (one child) 510 450 450
Lone parent (two children) 320 310 310
Lone parent (three or more children) 230 210 210
Couple (one child) 120 130 140
Couple (two children) 150 150 160
Couple (three or more children) 170 150 160
Total benefit units with at least one person receiving benefit 4,560 4,300 5,160
Total number of adults in benefit units where at least one person receiving benefit 5,440 5,420 6,700
Total number of children in benefit units where at least one person receiving benefit 2,960 2,800 2,860

Notes:

1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10,000 and totals may not sum due to rounding. Households may be in receipt of more than one of the benefits shown. Consequently, the sum of the totals will not represent an overall estimate for adults and children on income-related benefits.

2. The Income Support column of the original table also included Jobseeker's Allowance recipients, and has been updated accordingly.

3. Figures are derived from the Department policy simulation model, and are based on the 1997–98 Family Resources Survey uprated to 2000–01 prices, benefit levels and caseloads. Actual data are not available for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit beyond May 1999.

4. Total numbers in receipt of the above benefits are consistent with the Department's 2000 post budget forecasts.

5. The total number of adults represents those aged 16 and over, except for those 16 to 18 year olds in full time education. The total number of children represents those aged under 16, and 16 to 18 year olds in full time education.