§ Steve WebbTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what(a) initiatives. (b) campaigns and (c) advisory bodies relating to older people his Department (i) is responsible and (ii) has provided funding since 2001; and what the cost in each year was for each one. [166244]
§ Mr. BoatengWith the Department for Work and Pensions, HM Treasury has promoted a range of measures and initiatives aimed at improving the 383W incomes of older people, particularly those over state pension age, including increasing the basic state pension by more than inflation in 2001 –2003, guaranteeing future annual rises by the higher of 2.5 per cent. or RPI and launching the Pension Credit to reward those with modest savings for the first time.
This year the Government will pay an extra £100 to over-70 households
to help with council tax bills. This is on top of winter fuel payments, free TV licences and other measures.