Written question asked by Joe Benton (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 January 1996. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 January 1996 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: If he will estimate the cost in 1996-97 of raising the incomes of all pensioner units to at least the level of income support; and what would be the annual cost of maintaining pensioners' incomes at that level in real terms for each year until 2001-02, assuming the 1996-97 income support regime and the most recent levels of non-takeup.

Answer: Mr. Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost in 1996-97 of raising the incomes of all pensioner units to at least the level of income support; and what would be the annual cost of maintaining pensioners' incomes at that level in real terms for each year until 2001-02, assuming the 1996-97 income support regime and the most recent levels of non-take-up. [6705] Mr. Mitchell: Those pensioner units whose incomes are below income support levels are raised to that level if they take up income support. All other pensioner units are either ineligible for income support, by virtue of their incomes, or choose not to take it up. As a result, there are no costs in any year of raising the incomes of all pensioner units to at least income support levels assuming the most recent levels of non-take-up. Notes: 1. It has been assumed that the income of pensioners is the current income for assessment purposes in income support.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 6705; 269 c166W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Expenditure Personal income Social security benefits State retirement pensions Uprating Levels