§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of pensioners who will receive basic State Pension increases(a) above and (b) below 70p a week when the next uprating of pensions takes effect. [121504]
§ Mr. RookerFor a pensioner to receive an increase of greater than/less than 70p in 2001–02, based on the projected rate of inflation of September 2000, they would have to be receiving a basic State Pension of greater than/less than approximately £21 per week in 2000–01. This is 31 per cent. of the full Category A rate of basic pension.
The information is in the table.
Estimates for 2001–02 Thousand Above 70p Below 70p Total Great Britain 10,020 130 10,150 Overseas (non-frozen) 240 140 380 Total 10,250 270 10,520 Notes:
1. Estimates based on an assumed uprating in April 2001 of 3.4 per cent.
2. Figures rounded to the nearest 10,000 and may not sum as a result.
3. Estimates have been provided by the Government Actuary Department.
4. Figures do not include an estimated 480,000 frozen rate overseas cases who will not receive an increase in their basic State Pension.