§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to simplify the application forms for state benefits; and if he will make a statement. [135529]
The Distribution of pensioners' incomes below and above the minimum income guarantee (MIG) Income for MIG calculation Savings Below MIG £0–10 £10–20 £20–30 £30–40 Total £0 800 200 100 100 600 1,900 £0–£3,000 500 200 100 100 1,000 1,800 £3,000–£8,000 200 100 100 100 700 1,100 £8,000–£12,000 — — — — 400 500 £12,000–£20,000 — — — — 600 700 £20,000+ — — — — 1,900 1,900 Total 1,500 500 400 300 5,200 7,900 Notes:
1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100,000 cases. No figure is shown where the caseload is less than 50,000.
2. The figures have been calculated using the Policy Simulation Model for Income Related Benefits. This models the benefits system in 2001–02 and is based on data and the Family Resources Survey (FRS) for 1997–98, uprated to 2001 prices.
3. Figures exclude Residential Care or Nursing Home cases.
4. These figures are not calibrated to administrative records of capital levels and as with all survey data may be subject to survey errors.
5. Figures do not include entitled non-recipients of the MIG.
6. Income is defined according to the amount used for the calculation of a benefit award and therefore may differ from actual pensioner income.
572W
§ Mr. RookerAll our forms and other products are constantly under review. We frequently adopt suggestions from all areas, including from the public, and we carry out research on the effectiveness of our products. As a result, we constantly make changes and modifications in the interests of clear communication. If my hon. Friend has concerns over a particular form perhaps he will write to me.