§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the annual cost of abolishing the rules regarding the reduction of state pensions, other contributory benefits and income-related benefits for(a) claimants and (b) pensioners. [2306]
§ Mr. McCartneyIt is not possible to supply costs for abolition of hospital downrating for income-related benefits.
Estimate of the cost of the abolition of hospital downrating for 2001–02 £million Benefit Cost for abolition for 6–52 weeks downrating Cost of abolition of over 52 weeks downrating Total cost of abolition Retirement Pension 30 30 60 Incapacity Benefit 10 10 20 Severe Disablement Allowance 1— 20 20 Total cost 40 60 100 Cost for pensioners 30 30 60 1 Means that the costs are greater than 0 but less than £5 million Notes:
1. Costs are given in £ million, rounded to the nearest £10 million
2. It is not possible to give costs for means tested benefits
3. Costs are based on 2000 administrative data
4. Costs are given in current price terms