HC Deb 05 July 1989 vol 156 cc200-1W
Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has as to the additional level of benefit entitlement(a) single and (b) married council tenants would receive if their only source of income was the basic state retirement pension, based on the average council house rent and rates in (a) England (b) Wales.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

[holding answer 26 May 1989]: Information is not available in the exact form requested.

Table A. Until October 1989
England and Wales
Basic RP £ Income support £ Rent rebate £ Rate rebate £
Single pensioner aged less than 80 43.60 2.50 17.90 6.32
Single pensioner aged 80 or over 43.85 4.75 17.90 6.32
Pensioner couple, both aged less than 80 69.80 2.05 17.90 6.32
Pensioner couple, both aged 80 or over 70.30 4.00 17.90 6.32
Table B. From October 1989
Single pensioner aged less than 75 43.60 2.50 17.90 6.32
Single pensioner aged 75 to 79 43.60 5.00 17.90 6.32
Single pensioner aged 80 or over 43.85 7.25 17.90 6.32
Pensioner couple, both aged less than 75 69.80 2.05 17.90 6.32
Pensioner couple, at least one aged 75 to 79 69.80 5.55 17.90 6.32
Pensioner couple, both aged 80 or over 70.30 7.50 17.90 6.32

Notes:

1.For the pensioner couples it is assumed that the wife's retirement pension is based on her husband's contributions.

2. No savings over £3,000: no non-dependants; no ineligible items included in rent and rates.

3. From October 1989, an additional pensioner premium will be in force in both housing benefit and income support. This will increase IS entitlement by up to £2.50 a week for single pensioners and £3.50 for couples.

4. All the examples show people entitled to income support. They are, therefore, entitled to maximum housing benefit, which is 100 per cent. of eligible rent and 80 per cent. of eligible rates.