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<p>These estimates can be derived using the published “Welfare Reform and Work Bill:
Assessment of the Benefit Rate Freeze” attached.</p><p> </p><p>Using the figures published
in the impact assessment for the benefit freeze, we can estimate the annual cost of
ending the freeze on working-age and children’s benefits. Assuming the freeze was
ended after 2017/18 (such that savings from 2017/18 onwards are constant at £0.9bn),
the annual cost of ending the freeze would be £2.7bn by 2020/21.</p><p> </p><p>Assuming
the freeze ends after 2017/18, the additional annual cost to working-age and children’s
benefits had the freeze not been implemented is £0.9bn per annum.</p>
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