Written question asked by Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru) on Monday, 15 October 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 October 2001. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 October 2001 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans he has to increase the 25 pence addition for pensioners aged over 80.

Answer: Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to increase the 25p addition for pensioners aged over 80. [8347] Mr. McCartney: This Government have done much to help older pensioners since we came to office. The free television licences for those aged over 75 is worth over £100 a year. The Winter Fuel Payment is worth £200 per household and the Minimum Income Guarantee has been increased this year to £92.15 a week for a single pensioner and £140.55 for a couple. Under this Government, older pensioners are sharing in rising prosperity. The 25p addition for pensioners aged over 80 was introduced in 1971 and, like all benefits, is kept under constant review.

Secondary information