§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he intends to implement the proposed increase from 25p to £1 per week in the age allowance for pensioners aged over 80 years.
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§ Miss WiddecombeThe age addition of 25p which is awarded to all those aged 80 or over and receiving a state retirement pension remains unchanged. From April 1992 those receiving income support aged 80 or over—or younger disabled pensioners—benefited from an increase in the higher pensioner premium of £1 for single people and £1.50 for couples. We believe that increasing the premium in this way, and thereby helping pensioners on low incomes, is a more effective use of resources than increasing the existing 25p age addition for all pensioners aged 80 and over regardless of individual need.