§ Mr. Roger KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the total monetary equivalent per week of the income of an average single pensioner without savings, in receipt of a basic state pension and income support, inclusive of an average housing benefit payment and community charge rebate; and if he will also make a similar computation for an average pensioner couple.
§ Miss WiddecombePensioners in receipt of a basic retirement pension and income support would receive the sums shown in the table.
181W
Single Couple Age £ £ 60-74 IS 53.40 IS 83.25* HB 24.85 HB 24.46 CCB 3.45 CCB 6.47 Total 81.68 Total 114.18 75-79 IS 55.20 IS 85.60 HB 24.85 HB 24.46 CCB 3.43 CCB 6.47 Total 83.48 Total 116.53 80+ IS 58.10 IS 88.45 HB 24.85 HB 24.46 CCB 3.43 CCB 6.47 Total 86.38 Total 119.38 Notes:
1. IS—Income SupportHB—Housing Benefit CCB—Community Charge Benefit
2. There are some pensioners who receive income which is not taken into account against Income Support entitlement. People in this group would receive extra income which is not reflected in the table.
3. The Housing Benefit and Community Charge Benefit figures are the averages of all cases where the claimant or partner is aged 60 or over.
4. *A couple aged between 60–74, in receipt of a basic Retirement Pension, would not be entitled to Income Support. The rate shown is the total of Retirement Pension payable to the claimant and spouse.