§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) for what reason increments to the basic state pension were up-rated by a lower percentage than the rest of the basic pension in April 2001; and for what reason the increments will be up-rated by the same percentage as the rest of the basic state pension in April 2002; [44088]
(2) if the commitment to raise the state pension by at least 2.5 per cent. even when inflation is lower than this covers (a) basic pension increments, (b) the graduated pension and (c) SERPS. [44094]
§ Mr. McCartneyMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is required each year by section 150 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to review the level of benefits in light of movements in RPI. As part of this consideration the Government had announced that the basic state pension will rise in the future by at least 2.5 per cent. or the rate of increase in the RPI if that is greater.