Written question asked by Andrew Bowden (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 February 1997. It was answered by Roger Evans (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: If he will estimate the cost in 1997-98 of uprating (a) the £3,000 capital limit and (b) the £8,000 capital limit for income support for (i) pensioners and (ii) all recipients of income support to the level it would have been in 1997-98 if it had been uprated with prices since introduction. - Inc figs.

Answer: Sir Andrew Bowden: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost in 1997-98 of uprating (a) the £3,000 capital limit and (b) the £8,000 capital limit for income support for (i) pensioners and (ii) all recipients of income support to the level it would have been in 1997-98 if it had been uprated with prices since introduction. [14287] Mr. Evans: The estimated costs in 1997-98 if the lower and upper capital limits in income support had been uprated each year since their introduction in line with prices are (i) £50 million if only pensioners are included and (ii) £60 million if it is applied to all income support and jobseeker's allowance recipients. Notes: 1. This is estimated using the 1994-95 family resources survey, uprated to 1997-98 case loads and benefit levels. 2. Estimates exclude cases in residential care and nursing homes. 3. Estimates include consequential costs in housing benefit and council tax benefit from new income support claimants being passported or to these benefits. 4. Estimates for all claimants include the costs of introducing the same capital limits in jobseeker's allowance. 5. Adjustments to these estimates are made using the May 1995 income support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry and the May 1995 housing benefit/council tax benefit management information system. 6. Estimates are rounded to the nearest £10 million.

Secondary information