§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the number of new basic pensioner couples who are no longer entitled to income support because of the recent rise in basic pension; and what is the average amount that their income is above the required level.
§ Miss Widdecombe[holding answer 22 April 1991]: The estimated number of pensioner couples who are no longer entitled to income support following the recent uprating is 10,000 of which 5,000 were in receipt of the income support ordinary pensioner premium. However, had income support levels for pensioner couples of all ages continued to exceed full basic retirement pension levels, only around 1,000 of these would have retained their entitlement. The average amount by which weekly income exceeds current benefit levels for pensioner couples who are no longer entitled to income support is estimated to be 69p.
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.