asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amount of money it is estimated that would be saved if children's allowance payments were stopped to families with earnings of over (a) £16,000 per annum and (b) £18,000 and (c) £20,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Children's Allowance.
49.
Available income distribution statistics do not allow for estimates to be made in respect of income limits of £16,000 and £18,000 per annum. However, estimated savings, as near as possible to those requested by the Deputy, if child benefit was not paid to families with gross income in excess of £17,500 and £20,000 respectively, are set out in the following table:—
|
Income Limit per annum |
Estimated Child Benefit savings in a full year |
|
£ |
£ |
|
17,500 |
39m |
|
20,000 |
26m |
In the context of the 1988 Estimates, the Government have provided for the continued payment of child benefit next year on the same basis as heretofore.