Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Monday, 30 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Thursday, 16 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what the income ratio is between the top fifth and the bottom fifth of pensioners; and what it would be if the link between the basic pension and average earnings had been retained. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the income ratio is between the top fifth and the bottom fifth of pensioners; and what it would be if the link between the basic pension and average earnings had been retained. [136046] Mr. Rooker: In 1998-99, the ratio of average (median) incomes in the top fifth compared to the bottom fifth of the pensioners' income distribution was 3.1 for single pensioners and 3.5 for pensioner couples. The other information requested is not available. Notes: 1. pensioners are defined as single people aged over state pension age (65 for men, 60 for women) and couples (married or cohabiting) where the man is over state pension age. 2. Income is defined as net income before housing costs. The income distribution has been calculated separately for single pensioners and pensioner couples. Source: The Pensioners' Income Series 1998-99, published on 26 October 2000.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 356 c790W; 136046
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Income Index linking Personal income Pensioners Pensions State retirement pensions Average earnings Ratios
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk