asked the Minister for Finance the net cost to the Exchequer of an increase of £1.50 in (a) non-contributory old age pensions, (b) non-contributory widow's pensions and (c) unemployment assistance.
155.
Written Answers. - Increased Benefits Costs.
154.
asked the Minister for Finance the net cost to the Exchequer of an increase of £1.50 in contributory old age and widows' pensions and unemployment benefit.
156.
asked the Minister for Finance the net cost to the Exchequer of an increase of 75p in allowances for children of widows and the unemployed and other social welfare recipients.
The replies to Questions Nos. 154, 155 and 156 are contained in the following tabular statement:
Annual Exchequer cost of certain increases in social welfare payments
|
Social Welfare Scheme |
Increase |
Annual Exchequer Cost* |
|
£m |
||
|
Non-contributory Old Age Pensions |
£1.50 a week |
10.155 |
|
Non-contributory Widow's Pensions |
£1.50 a week |
1.140 |
|
Unemployment Assistance |
£1.50 a week |
4.110 |
|
15.405 |
||
|
Old Age (contributory) Pensions |
£1.50 a week |
.780 |
|
Widows (contributory) Pensions |
£1.50 a week |
.900 |
|
Unemployment Benefit |
£1.50 a week |
.522 |
|
2.202 |
||
|
Child dependants of: |
||
|
Widows |
75p a week |
.440 |
|
Unemployed |
75p a week |
3.127 |
|
Others |
75p a week |
.683 |
|
4.250 |
* Assumes 20% Exchequer contribution towards the cost of the social insurance increases
157.
asked the Minister for Finance the loss in tax revenue in a full financial year which would occur from a reduction of 1p in the £ in the standard rate of income tax.
The estimated cost to the Exchequer would be about £8.3 million in a full year.