The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 28 January 2008:
As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, asking what the average household income was in Houghton and Washington East constituency in each year since 1997 (181551).
The table below shows average net household incomes for Houghton and Washington East constituency for 2001/02 and 2004/05, both before and after housing costs. For comparison, estimates of average income for either Great Britain or the UK have also been provided. These are based on the “Households Below Average Income” series which is produced using the Family Resources Survey. There are no figures available for other years.
Per week Net weekly equivalised household income (before housing costs)4 Net weekly equivalised household Income (after housing costs)4 2001-02 Houghton and Washington, East 320 280 Great Britain 390 340 2004-05 Houghton and Washington, East 360 310 UK 430 370 1 Due to changes in methodology these two estimates do not provide a reliable estimate of the change between 2001-02 and 2004-05. Estimates have not been adjusted for inflation. 2 Net income is gross income minus income tax payments, national insurance contributions, contributions to occupational pension schemes, all maintenance and child support payments. 3 Figures rounded to the nearest 10. 4 Housing costs include rent (gross of housing benefit), water charges, mortgage interest payments, structural insurance, ground rent and service charges. Source: ONS, Department for Work and Pensions.