HC Deb 05 March 1981 vol 1000 c187W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will set out the earnings rule limits in May 1979 and in January 1981 at current prices and also at January 1981 prices.

Mr. Rossi

In May 1979 the earnings rule limit for retirement pensioners and certain adult dependants of invalidity and retirement pensioners was £45 a week. If that amount were increased in line with the movement of the general index of retail prices between May 1979 and January 1981—the latest month for which figures are available—it would now be £58 a week. The current limits, above which earnings progressively reduce benefit, are £52 a week for retirement pensioners and £45 for a wife who resides with her husband.