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Dept for Work and Pensions

Answer

Mr. McWalter: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made, with regard to the three schemes for phasing out means testing for pensions set out in the recent White Paper on pensions, of (a) the inflationary effects of each of the schemes, (b) the total cost of each of the measures in each scheme, (c) the administrative savings to be achieved under each scheme and (d) the number of pensioners who would be affected adversely under each scheme (i) ignoring income erosion caused by inflation and (ii) after factoring in erosion caused by inflation. [198800] Malcolm Wicks: Our policy is to keep the State Pension as the foundation for income in retirement and to give additional help through Pension Credit to the poorest pensioners. set out any schemes to replace the current arrangements but have instead asked the Pensions Commission to look at and report on pensions. We will respond to any recommendations made in the report, which is expected in the autumn of next year, in the usual way.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

198800; 426 c1656W;426 c1659W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Administration Costs Pensioners Pensions Means-tested benefits State retirement pensions

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk