§ Mr. Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services at what level of income the earnings rule has operated in respect of retirement pensions in each year from 1984–85.
§ Mr. ScottThe retirement pension earnings rule applies for the first five years after minimum pension age (60 for women and 65 for men). In November 1984 the specified level of earnings net of certain expenses was £70, rising to £75 in November 1985. Pension is reduced on a sliding scale for earnings over the specified level. Entitlement to full basic retirement pension would generally be extinguished when the level of earnings net of expenses reached the amounts shown:
£ November 1984 107.80 November 1985 115.30 July 1986 115.70 April 1987 116.50 April 1988 118.14
§ Mr. Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the value of the earnings rule for retirement pensions as a percentage of(a) gross and (b) net average earnings for each year since 1984.
§ Mr. ScottIt is not possible for a retired couple to have both of their pensions paid on the same order book. In all cases, therefore, each will receive an £8 payment. It is possible for a pensioner to receive an increase to his or her pension in respect of a spouse who has not retired. However, this increase was unaffected by the error in the retail prices index. Such a pensioner's single £8 payment will accordingly fully compensate him or her.