§ Ms. PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in receipt of state pension who previously received income support are now ineligible for income support as from 6 April for(a) Bristol, South, (b) Bristol, East, (c) Bristol, (d) South West region and (e) nationally.
§ Miss WiddecombeIncome support rates increased from 8 April 1991. The estimated number of income support claimants receiving state pensions who, following the uprating, are no longer eligible for income support is 45,000. However, the extra £80 million directed to younger pensioners at the recent uprating helped another 105,000 to retain their entitlement.
Estimates are not available for the Bristol area or the South-West region.
Pensioners whose incomes are above the level of income support can, of course, claim other benefits such as housing benefit or community charge benefit. They can also apply for help with optical, dental and other charges under the NHS low income scheme.
Source: Modelled using data drawn from the 1989 annual statistical inquiry, uprated to 1990–91 prices and benefit levels.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners have been taken out of income support arising from the April 1991 pension increase.
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§ Miss Widdecombe[holding answer 18 April 1991]: The number of claimants who no longer qualify for income support as a direct result of the recent increase in retirement pension is 40,000. If income support for couples receiving the ordinary pensioner premium had continued to exceed full basic retirement pension levels this number would be reduced only by about 1,000. The extra £80 million directed to younger pensioners at the recent uprating helped another 105,000 to retain their entitlement.
Pensioners whose incomes are above the level of income support can, of course, claim other benefits such as housing benefit or community charge benefit. They can also apply for help with optical, dental and other charges under the NHS low income scheme.
Source: Modelled using data drawn from the 1989 annual statistical inquiry, uprated to 1990–91 prices and benefit levels.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people on income support broken down into(a) lone parents and (b) others, are working between 16 and 24 hours a week.
§ Miss WiddecombeWe estimate that approximately 60,000 people are receiving income support and working between 16 and 24 hours a week. Of these, about 30,000 are lone parents.
Source: Modelled on data drawn from the 1985–86–87 family expenditure surveys.