Written question asked by Andrew Bowden (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 February 1997. It was answered by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Monday, 10 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: What percentage of (a) single pensioners, (b) pensioner couples and (c) all pensioner units were dependent on state benefits for at least 75 per cent. of their income in the latest year for which figures are available. - Figs given.

Answer: Sir Andrew Bowden: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of (a) single pensioners, (b) pensioner couples and (c) all pensioner units were dependent on state benefits for at least 75 per cent. of their income in the latest year for which figures are available. [14269] Mr. Heald: In 1994-95, the latest date of which figures are available, 60 per cent. of single pensioners were dependent on state benefits for at least 75 per cent. of their gross income; the figure for pensioner couples was 37 per cent. For all pensioner units, the average across single pensioners and pensioner couples, 51 per cent. received at least 75 per cent. of their gross income from state benefits. Source: The Pensioners' Incomes Series 1994-95.

Secondary information