§ Mr.Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is 226W taking to reduce the waiting period between the announcement of and the implementation of a pensions increase.
§ Mr.DeakinsPensions have to be up-rated with the other social security benefits, with which they have a close relation ship. In particular, about 1.7 million pensioners also receive supplementary benefit. A lengthy period between the announcement of an uprating and the effective date is required because it is necessary to determine the new supplementary benefit rates individually.
A project is being undertaken to computerise as much as possible of this work but it is unlikely to be completed during the next few years.