§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total amount of income-related benefits, in constant prices, that has not been taken up by pensioners in each year since 1990; and what was the average amount of income-related benefits, in constant prices, not taken up per eligible pensioner in each year since 1990. [9050]
§ Mr. HealdThe information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table.
Table 1: Total amount of Housing Benefit and Income Support not taken up by pensioners £ million 1990 1991 1992 1993–94 Estimated money value (400:630) (370:720) (600:910) (600:890) Constant 1993–94 prices (460:720) (400:770) (620:940) (600:890)
Table 2: Average weekly amount of Housing Benefit and Income Support not taken up Pensioners 1990 1991 1992 1993–94 Housing Benefit Estimated money value £11.45 £13.90 £16.60 £17.95 Constant 1993–94 prices £13.05 £14.90 £17.10 £17.95 Income Support Estimated money value £8.85 £13.45 £13.05 £14.10 Constant 1993–94 prices £10.05 £14.40 £13.45 £14.10 1. The constant price figures given above have been deflated using the GDP deflator.
2. The figures quoted below exclude full-time self-employed cases and those not living in private households.
3. Pensioner benefit units are defined as: a single person aged 60 years or over, or a couple one of whom is aged 60 years or over.
4. The most recent information is for 1993–94.
5. The figures in table 1 are presented as ranges within which it can be assumed that the true amount of benefit not taken up will lie.