§ Mr. Baldryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when calculating the level of retirement pension, what specific consideration is given to heating costs; and how this is calculated.
§ Mr. MajorNo separate consideration is given to heating costs in determining the annual level of retirement pension. Retirement pension and other linked benefits are statutorily uprated at least by changes in the general level of prices. The retail price index is used to measure price changes and the index takes account of changes in heating costs.