§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated cost of income support for pensioners in(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02; and what levels of take-up are assumed, as a percentage of beneficiaries and potential expenditure. [97554]
§ Mr. RookerThe current forecasts of expenditure on income support for pensioners is given in the table. I shall make an announcement on our plans for a national programme to encourage take-up of the minimum income guarantee in due course.
£ million 1999–2000 4,033 2000–01 4,196 2001–02 4,407 Note:
These figures are consistent with the pre Budget Report 1999