§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will detail at what level income support is paid to those persons of pensionable age who are(a) single and (b) married; what additional expenditure on the part of the claimant is taken into account for this purpose; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will detail the criteria laid down for determining the level of benefit paid to (a) single pensioners and (b) married pensioners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottAssuming that the pensioner is not responsible for a child or young person and has no eligible housing costs, the information is as follows:
(a) (b) Premium Entitlement Single Couple £ £ Pensioner premium 44.05 67.70 Higher Pensioner Premium 46.45 70.05 Higher Pensioner Premium and severe 194.80 disability premium 71.70 2119.55 1 One qualifies. 2 Both qualify. The criteria for entitlement to the premiums are set out in schedule 2 to the Income support (General) Regulations 1987, (SI 1987 No. 1967).
The personal allowances take account of the average additional expenditure arising from the claimant's responsibility, from April, for 20 per cent, of his general rates, and water rates.
In setting the rates for personal allowances and premiums, the available resources were directed at those groups most in need, including pensioners. This more effective targetting is a central objective of the social security reforms.