§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, further to his reply of 28 June to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland, Official Report, c. 446, he will list the 15 authorities still not implementing the housing benefit scheme; and how many tenants are involved.
§ Dr. BoysonMy earlier reply to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland reflected the position on 4 April. An up-to-date report on the implementation of housing benefit is currently being compiled. I hope to make a statement on it shortly.
§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services for what purpose he intends to extend the time
Earnings Amount of retirement pension (including flat rate pension of £32.85) £pw 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2008 Men ¼ average 33.52 34.19 34.85 35.52 35.52 35.52 ½ average 36.03 39.21 42.38 45.56 45.56 45.56 ¾ average 38.54 44.23 49.92 55.61 55.61 55.61 Average 41.05 49.25 57.45 65.65 65.65 65.65 1½ average* 44.76 56.66 68.57 80.48 80.48 80.48 2 average 44.76 56.66 68.57 80.48 80.48 80.48 Women ¼ average† — — — — — — ½average 34.22 35.60 36.97 38.35 38.35 38.35 ¾ average 35.83 38.81 41.80 44.78 44.78 44.78 Average 37.44 42.03 46.62 51.21 51.21 51.21 1½ average 40.66 48.47 56.27 64.08 64.08 64.08 2 average 43.88 54.90 65.93 76.95 76.95 76.95 * Above upper earnings limit. † Below lower earnings limit—no pension entitlement.