§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the number of households facing marginal deduction rates of over 70 per cent. in each year since 1997. [69090]
§ Dawn PrimaroloHistorical estimates of the number of households facing marginal deduction rates in excess of 70 per cent. for 1997–98 through to 1999–2000 are contained in the Social Security Departmental Report—The Government's Expenditure Plans 2000–01 to 2001–02. Forward-looking estimates, which include the impact of the tax and benefit changes made in Budgets since 1997, are contained in the Budget 2002 report. Tax and benefit changes made since 1997 have reduced the number of households facing marginal deduction rates in excess of 70 per cent. by around half a million.