§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the(a) number and (b) percentage of (i) single males, (ii) single females and (iii) couples (A) over 60 and (B) over 75 who will be eligible for (1) any amount of council tax benefit and (2) full council tax benefit (x) at present, (y) in April 2003 and (z) in October 2003. [96369]
§ Malcolm WicksThe available information is in the table.
Estimated numbers of pensioners eligible for Council Tax Benefit (CTB) in 2002–03 All pensioners Pensioners aged over 75 Any CTB Full CTB only Any CTB Full CTB only 2002–03 Single males 630,000 310,000 270,000 120,000 Single females 1,960,000 1,170,000 1,080,000 710,000 Couples 1,300,000 510,000 430,000 170,000 Total 3,890,000 1,990,000 1,780,000 1,000,000 2003–04 Single males 700,000 320,000 310,000 120,000 Single females 2,080,000 1,210,000 1,140,000 730,000 Couples 1,470,000 540,000 480,000 180,000 Total 4,240,000 2,060,000 1,930,000 1,030,000 Notes:
- 1. The Policy Simulation Model is only available for each financial year and estimates can be interpreted as relating to the mid-year point. It is therefore, not possible to provide estimates for the points in time requested. Estimates for 2003–04 include the effects of the Pension Credit.
- 2. Pensioners are defined to be households where the benefit recipient or their partner is aged 60 or over. The over 75 group includes cases where either the benefit recipient or their partner is 75 or over.
- 3. The estimates are rounded to the nearest 10,000 and totals may not sum due to rounding.
- 4. Although it is possible to infer estimates of take-up by comparing these figures with forecast caseloads, it should be noted that these figures may not be consistent with those published in the take-up statistics, which are estimated on a different basis.
Source:
Estimates have been produced using the DWP Policy Simulation Model, which is based on the 2000–01 Family Resources Survey with prices and benefits uprated to the year in question.