Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what factors underlay his decision to award free television licences to people aged 75 years and over; and if he will make a statement. [103602]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 20 December 1999]: The Government recognise that the television licence fee can be a source of concern for many elderly people. Older pensioner households are more likely to be on low incomes, which is why additional resources will be directed at the 75-plus group. Free television licences to people aged 75 years and over, nearly 50 per cent. of whom are in the lowest three income deciles, is a significant measure for poorer pensioners and will benefit over three million pensioner households.
This measure builds on a number of significant improvements we have made in respect of provision for pensioners. Pensioners aged 75 and over now have a Minimum Income Guarantee of at least £77.30 plus housing costs for single pensioners and £119.85 plus housing costs for couples. The Government have committed to uprate the Minimum Income Guarantee by earnings growth during this Parliament. Pensioners also 577W benefit from £100 winter fuel payments, tax allowances which have been increased above the rate of inflation, free eye tests, greater support for concessionary fares and improved home insulation schemes.