HC Deb 17 November 1976 vol 919 cc565-6W
Mr. Arthur Jones

asked the Secretary State for the Environment what was the cost to the ratepayers in England and Wales each year since 1971, arising from the implementation of the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971, including the increase of 13.8 per cent. effective from 1st December 1976.

Mr. Armstrong

The cost to ratepayers in England and Wales in each financial year since 1971, arising from the implementation of the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971, in respect of pensioners under the local government superannuation scheme, the police pensions regulations and the firemen's pension scheme is estimated as follows:

£ million
1971–72 11.8
1972–73 13.8
1973–74 17.5
1974–75 20.8
1975–76 26.3
1976–77 39.4

The remainder of the cost of increase paid to these pensioners, approximately 62.9 per cent. of the total cost, was borne by the Government by way of Exchequer grants.