HC Deb 14 December 1989 vol 163 cc802-3W
Mr. Churchill

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what specific addition to the retirement pension has been or is to be made to ensure that pensioners not qualifying for income support do not suffer any reduction in living standard as a result of the introduction of the community charge; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

The community charge will be included in the retail prices index which is used to calculate increases to the state retirement pension.

Income Support Client Group Technical Annex to the 1985 White Paper Uprated by Compensation for 20 per cent. Community Charge Contribution3 Proposed rates from April 1990
£ RPI1 £ ROSSI2 £ £ £
Pensioners
Age 80+ single 42.85 52.49 50.19 1.30 53.75
Age 80+ couple 65.45 80.18 76.65 2.30 81.85
Age 75–79 single 40.60 49.73 47.55 1.30 51.10
Age 75–79 couple 63.25 77.48 74.07 2.30 79.20
Age 60+ disabled single 42.85 52.49 50.19 1.30 53.75
Age 60+ disabled couple 65.45 80.18 76.65 2.30 81.85
Age 60–74 single 40.60 49.73 47.55 1.30 48.50
Age 60–74 couple 63.25 77.48 74.07 2.30 75.55
Sick and Disabled4
Age 18–24 single 36.25 44.41 42.46 1.15 44.20
Age 25+ single 42.85 52.49 50.19 1.30 52.10
Age 25+ couple 65.45 80.18 76.65 2.30 79.70
Lone Parent
With 2 children5 65.00 79.62 76.12 1.30 78.75
Unemployed
Age 18–24 single 24.00 29.40 28.11 1.15 28.80
Age 25+ single 30.60 37.48 35.84 l.30 36.70
Couple no children 48.00 58.80 56.21 2.30 57.60
Couple 2 children5 78.95 96.71 92.45 2.30 95.55
1 Based on movement in the index of Retail Prices between November 1985 and October 1989 (the latest for which the index is available).
2 Based on movement in the index of Retail Prices (less housing) between November 1985 and October 1989.
3 Amounts included in benefit levels from April 1989. These amounts, which replaced those previously included from April 1988 to compensate for the 20 per cent, rates contribution, now form part of the overall benefit levels to be uprated from April 1990.
4 In receipt of disability premium.
5 Assumes one child under age 11 and one child aged 11–15.

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