(2) how many women in the UK received maternity allowance in each year since 2001-02; and what estimate he has made of the likely number in each year from 2006-07 to 2009-10.
The available information is in the table.
Number 2001-02 51,000 2002-03 51,000 2003-04 57,000 2004-05 63,000 2005-06 66,000 2006-07 70,000 2007-08 74,000 Notes: 1. The figures for maternity allowance up to 2003-04 are based on a 5 per cent. sample of the maternity allowance computer system. The figures from 2004-05 onwards are forecasts. 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 1,000. 3. In line with HM Treasury expenditure planning cycles, forecasts of benefit case load and expenditure are not currently available beyond 2007-08.
The information is in the following table.
£ million (nominal terms) 2001-02 636 2002-03 724 2003-04 1,233 2004-05 1,291 2005-06 1,243 2006-07 1,268 2007-08 1,595 Notes: 1. Figures are consistent with pre-Budget report 2006, which shows total managed expenditure to 2007-08, and are for Great Britain. 2. Figures are out-turn to 2005-06 are estimated out-turn for 2006-07 and are plans for 2007-08. 3. Benefit expenditure in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Office. Source: DWP benefit expenditure tables. The DWP expenditure tables can be viewed on the DWP website at www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/expenditure.asp
The available information is in the following table.
Number 2001-02 344,000 2002-03 361,000 2003-04 375,000 2004-05 412,000 2005-06 409,000 2006-07 411,000 2007-08 414,000 Notes 1. Statutory maternity pay is paid and administered by employers. The figures from 2004-05 onwards are forecasts. 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 1,000. Source: Figures up to 2003-04 are based on a 1 per cent. sample of national insurance records.
Benefit case load and expenditure forecasts are currently not made available publicly past 2007-08. Expenditure plans and case load forecasts for 2008-09 and 2009-10 will be released as part of the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review.