Written question asked by Andrew Bowden (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 February 1997. It was answered by Roger Evans (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 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 increasing all capital limits for income related benefits for pensioner couples to one and a half times their current limits.

Answer: Sir Andrew Bowden: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost in 1997-98 of increasing all capital limits for income-related benefits for pensioner couples to one and a half times their current limits. [14291] Mr. Evans: The estimated cost if all capital limits for income-related benefits for pensioner couples are increased to one and a half times their current limits is £30 million in 1997-98. Notes: 1. This is estimated using the 1994-95 family resources survey, uprated to 1997-98 case loads and benefit levels. 2. The estimate excludes cases in residential care and nursing homes. 3. The estimate covers income support, housing benefit, council tax benefit and family credit. 4. Adjustments to this estimate are made using the May 1995 income support quarterly statistical inquiry and the May 1995 housing benefit--council tax benefit management information system. The estimate is rounded to the nearest £10 million.

Secondary information