§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the total difference in current prices between(a) the cumulative cost of the single pension paid to an individual since April 1979 to date, and (b) the cumulative cost of the single pension paid had the link between the rise in earnings and the rise in the pension been sustained; and what are the comparable figures for the married couples pensions.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe cumulative difference in cost had pensions been uprated by the higher of earnings or prices from April 1980 to date would be £7,690 million.
This would cost a man on average earnings and his employer an extra £11.20 per week between them in national insurance contributions.
28WNotes:
- 1. There are no "single" or "married couple" rates of Retirement Pension. The standard pension is calculated on the basis of individual contribution records or, in the case of some married women, on the basis of their husbands' contributions. Adult dependency additions may be awarded where the wife of a pensioner is under pension age. Thus it would be misleading to break down the total cost of all categories of pension into "single" or "married" rates.
- 2. The link between the rise in earnings and the rise in the pension was ended in 1980, not 1979. Cost differences have therefore been shown from this date.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) schemes and (b) individuals are currently in receipt of the guaranteed minimum pension; and if he will list the reason in the case of each scheme.
§ Miss WiddecombeI refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 20 February, at columns279–80. Analysis of the numbers of individuals involved and the reason in each case is not available.