§ Mr. Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would have been the value of the state retirement pension for (i) a single person and (ii) a married couple for each of the years 1980 to 1990, if it had been uprated in line with average earnings or increase in prices, whichever was the higher.
737W
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe information requested is set out in the table.
It should be noted that such a link would attract a consequent increase in the national insurance contribution. It is estimated that the necessary increase in the contribution rate to support the additional cost in 1990 would be 1.25 per cent. and 1.45 per cent. on the basic rate of employees and employers contributions respectively; increasing them to 10.25 per cent. and 11.9 per cent. respectively. This would have meant for example a contribution increase for an employee on average earnings of £3.18 per week, together with an additional contribution of £4.35 per week for his employer.
Standard rate RP increased by RPI or earnings since 1980 Uprating date Single person Married couple November 1980 27.45 44.00 November 1981 30.75 49.30 November 1982 33.30 53.40 November 1983 36.20 58.05 November 1984 38.05 61.00 November 1985 41.40 66.35 July 1986 43.70 70.05 April 1987 45.60 73.15 April 1988 49.20 78.95 April 1989 53.45 85.75 April 1990 58.65 94.05
§ Mr. Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average weekly amount received, by quintile groups, by retirement pensioners from occupational pensions.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardI refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 25 July at columns305–10.