Benefits

HC Deb 26 November 1996 vol 286 cc207-20W

Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out the new rates of benefit proposed from April 1997. [6585]

Mr. Lilley

As usual, the annual uprating of social security benefits will take place in the first full week of the tax year—in 1997 this will be the week beginning 7 April.

I have reviewed social security benefits in accordance with section 150 of the 1992 Administration Act My proposals, which are set out in the schedule, will increase most of the major benefits in line with inflation. The statutory instruments to implement them will be laid before both Houses for debate. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland proposes to introduce similar changes for Northern Ireland.

All national insurance benefits will be uprated in line with the annual increase in the retail prices index up to September which this year is 2.1 per cent.

Income-related benefits will generally rise by 2.6 per cent. in line with the ROSSI index—RPI less certain housing costs.

In line with my policy, announced last year, of moving towards an even-handed treatment of one and two-parent families the family premium (lone parent) paid with income-related benefits and child benefit (lone parent) will be unchanged in April 1997.

A schedule of the new benefit rates follows.

Some key points of the 1997 increases are:

Retirement pension

The standard rate of retirement pension will be increased by £1.30 per week for a single person to £62.45 and by £2.05 per week for couples to £99.80.

Incapacity benefit

The basic rate of long term incapacity benefit will rise by £1.30 a week to £62.45.

Income support

The level of income support for a pensioner couple aged over 80 will rise from £112.25 to £115.15.

Jobseeker's allowance

Jobseeker's allowance for a single person aged over 25 will rise from £47.90 a week to £49.15.

Child benefit

Child benefit will again be raised in line with prices. For the first or eldest eligible child the weekly rate will increase from £10.80 to £11.05 and for each subsequent child the rate will rise from £8.80 to £9.00.

War pensions

War pensions will, again be uprated fully in line with prices.

Earnings top-up

Benefit rates for the pilot earnings top-up scheme will be increased by the ROSSI index.

Non-dependent deductions

Increases will be made to deductions and the income thresholds, in income support, jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit in respect of non-dependent adults living in the claimant's home. Two new bands of deductions will be introduced in housing benefit and council tax benefit for those non-dependents with earnings over £200 per week. Similar bands will be introduced for income support and income-based jobseeker's allowance from April 1998.

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE
Higher rate	48.50	49.50
Lower rate	32.40	33.10
CHILD BENEFIT
Only, elder or eldest for whom child benefit is payable (couple)	10.80	11.05
Only, elder or eldest for whom child benefit is payable (lone parent)	17.10	17.10
Each subsequent child	8.80	9.00
CHILD'S SPECIAL ALLOWANCE
See note on child dependency increase	11.15	11.20
COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT
Personal allowances
Single
18 to 24	37.90	38.90
25 or over	47.90	49.15
Lone parent—18 or over	47.90	49.15
Couple—one or both over 18	75.20	77.15

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates— April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
Dependent children
Birth to September, following 11th birthday	16.45	16.90
From September, following 11th birthday to September, following 16th birthday	24.10	24.75
From September, following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	28.85	29.60
Dependent children with protected rates
Age 11 before 1 April 1997	24.10	24.75
Age 16 before 1 April 1997	28.85	29.60
Age 18 before 1 April 1997	37.90	38.90
Premiums
Family	10.55	10.80
Family (lone parent rate)	22.05	22.05
Pensioner
Single	19.15	19.65
Couple	28.90	29.65
Pensioner (enhanced)
Single	21.30	21.85
Couple	31.90	32.75
Pensioner (higher)
Single	25.90	26.55
Couple	37.05	38.00
Disability
Single	20.40	20.95
Couple	29.15	29.90
Severe disability
Single	36.40	37.15
Couple (one qualifies)	36.40	37.15
Couple (both qualify)	72.80	74.30
Disabled child	20.40	20.95
Carer	13.00	13.35
Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital
Higher rate	15.30	15.60
Lower rate	12.25	12.50
Non-dependant deductions
Aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
Gross income: £250 or more	2.60	4.00
Gross income: £200–£249.99	2.60	3.50
Gross income: £116–£199.99	2.60	3.00
Gross income less than £116	1.30	1.50
Others, aged 18 or over	1.30	1.50
Alternative maximum council tax benefit
Second adult on income support or income	25 per cent. of Council Tax
based jobseeker's allowance
Second adult's gross income
Under £116	15 per cent. of Council Tax
£116 to £151.99	7.5 per cent of Council Tax
Capital
Upper limit	16,000.00	16,000.00
Amount disregarded	3,000.00	3,000.00
Child's limit	3,000.00	3,000.00
Tariff income
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Earnings disregards
Where disabiilty premium awarded	15.00	15.00
Various specified employments	15.00	15.00
Lone parent	25.00	25.00
Where the claimant has a partner	10.00	10.00
Single claimant	5.00	5.00
Where carer premium awarded	15.00	15.00
Childcare charges	60.00	60.00
Other income disregards
Maintenance disregard	15.00	15.00
War disablement pension and war widow's pension	10.00	10.00
Certain voluntary and charitable payments	20.00	20.00
Student loan	10.00	10.00
Student's covenanted income	5.00	5.00
Income from boarders: disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus
50 per cent. of the balance of the charge	20.00	20.00

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
30-hour adult allowance in disability working allowance	10.30	10.55
30-hour adult credit in family credit	10.30	10.55
Expenses for subtenants
Furnished or unfurnished	4.00	4.00
Where heating is included, additional	9.25	9.25
DEPENDENCY INCREASES
Adult dependency increases for spouse or person looking after children, with:
Retirement pension on own insurance, long-term incapacity benefit, unemployability supplement	36.60	37.35
Severe disablement allowance	21.95	22.40
Invalid care allowance	21.90	22.35
Short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary over pension age	35.15	35.90
Maternity allowance/short term incapacity benefit	28.55	29.15
Child dependency increases, with:
Retirement pension, widows benefit, short-term incapacity benefit at the higher rate and long-term incapacity benefit, invalid care allowance, severe disability allowance, higher rate industrial death benefit, unemployability supplement and short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary over pension age	11.15	11.20
NB—The Overlapping Benefits Regulations provide for the rate of child dependency increases, guardian's allowance and child special allowance to be adjusted where the increase or allowance is payable for the eldest eligible child for whom child benefit is also payable. The weekly rate of the increase or allowance is reduced by the differential (less the 75p derived from the October 1991 increase in child benefits between the relevant rate of child benefit payable for the oldest eligible child and that payable for a subsequent child.
DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE
Care component
Highest	48.50	49.50
Middle	32.40	33.10
Lowest	12.90	13.15
Mobility component
Higher	33.90	34.60
Lower	12.90	13.15
DISABILITY WORKING ALLOWANCE
Adult allowance
Single people	48.25	49.55
Couples/lone parents	75.60	77.55
30 hours allowance	10.30	10.55
Child allowance
Under 11	11.75	12.05
11 to 15	19.45	19.95
16 to 17	24.15	24.80
18	33.80	34.70
Applicable amount (ie taper threshold)
Single people	56.40	57.85
Couples/lone parents	75.20	77.15
Disabled child's allowance	20.40	20.95
Capital
Upper limit	16,000.00	16,000.00
Amount disregarded	3,000.00	3,000.00
Child's limit	3,000.00	3,000.00
Tariff income
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Disregards
Maintenance disregard	15.00	15.00
War disablement pension and war widow's pension	10.00	10.00
Certain voluntary and charitable payments	20.00	20.00
Student loan	10.00	10.00
Student's covenanted income	5.00	5.00

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
Income from boarders:
Disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50% of the balance of the charge	20.00	20.00
Childcare charges	60.00	60.00
Expenses for subtenants
Furnished or unfurnished	4.00	4.00
Where heating is included, additional	9.25	9.25
EARNINGS RULES
Invalid care allowance	50.00	50.00
Therapeutic earnings limit	45.50	46.50
Industrial injuries unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount)	2,366.00	2,418.00
War pensioners* unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount)	2,366.00	2,418.00
Adult dependency increases with short-term incapacity benefit where claimant is
(a) Under pension age	28.55	29.15
(b) Over pension age	35.15	35.90
Maternity allowance	28.55	29.15
Retirement pension, long-term incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, unemployability supplement where dependant
(a) Is living with claimant	48.25	49.15
(b) Still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule	45.09	45.09
Retirement pension, long-term incapacity benefit and unemployability supplement where dependant not living with claimant	36.60	37.35
Severe disablement allowance where dependant not living with claimant	21.95	22.40
Invalid care allowance	21.90	22.35
Child dependency increases level at which CDIs are affected by earnings of claimant's spouse or partner
For first child	130.00	135.00
For each subsequent child	17.00	17.00
EARNINGS TOP-UP (see appendix)
FAMILY CREDIT
Adult credit	46.45	47.65
Adult credit for working 30 hours + pw.	10.30	10.55
Child credit
Under 11	11.75	12.05
11 to 15	19.45	19.95
16 to 17	24.15	24.80
18	33.80	34.70
Applicable amount (ie taper threshold)	75.20	77.15
Capital
Upper limit	8,000.00	8,000.00
Amount disregarded	3,000.00	3,000.00
Child's limit	3,000.00	3,000.00
Tariff income
£ 1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Disregards
Maintenance disregard	15.00	15.00
War disablement pension and war widow's pension	10.00	10.00
Certain voluntary and charitable payments	20.00	20.00
Student loan	10.00	10.00
Student's covenanted incomeIncome from boarders:	5.00	5.00
disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50 per cent. of the balance of the charge	20.00	20.00
Childcare charges	60.00	60.00
Expenses for subtenants
Furnished or unfurnished	4.00	4.00
Where heating is included, additional	9.25	9.25
GUARDIAN'S ALLOWANCE
See note on child dependency increase	11.15	11.20

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
HOSPITAL DOWNRATING
20 per cent. rate	12.25	12.50
40 per cent. rate	24.50	25.00
HOUSING BENEFIT
Personal allowances
Single
16 to 24	37.90	38.90
25 or over	47.90	49.15
Lone parent
Under 18	37.90	38.90
18 or over	47.90	49.15
Couple
Both under 18	57.20	58.70
One or both over 18	75.20	77.15
Dependent children
Birth to September following 11th birthday	16.45	16.90
From September following 11th birthday to September following 16th birthday	24.10	24.75
From September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	28.85	29.60
Dependent children with protected rates
Age 11 before lst–7th April 1997	24.10	24.75
Age 16 before lst–7th April 1997	28.85	29.60
Age 18 before lst–7th April 1997	37.90	38.90
Premiums
Family	10.55	10.80
Family (lone parent rate)	22.05	22.05
Pensioner
Single	19.15	19.65
Couple	28.90	29.65
Pensioner (enhanced)
Single	21.30	21.85
Couple	31.90	32.75
Pensioner (higher)
Single	25.90	26.55
Couple	37.05	38.00
Disability
Single	20.40	20.95
Couple	29.15	29.90
Severe disability
Single	36.40	37.15
Couple (one qualifies)	36.40	37.15
Couple (both qualify)	72.80	74.30
Disabled child	20.40	20.95
Carer	13.00	13.35
Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital
Higher rate	15.30	15.60
Lower rate	12.25	12.50
None-dependant deductions rent rebates and allowances
Aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support or income based Job Seekers Allowances
Aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work or
Gross income less than £78	6.00	7.00
Aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
Gross income: less than £78.00	6.00	7.00
Gross income: £78 to £115.99	12.00	13.00
Gross income: £116 to £151.99	16.00	17.00
Gross income: £152 to £199.99	32.00	33.00
Gross income: £200.00 to £249.99	32.00	36.00
Gross income: £250.00 and above	32.00	39.00
Service charges for fuel
Heating	9.25	9.25
Hot water	1.15	1.15
Lighting	0.80	0.80
Cooking	1.15	1.15
Amount ineligible for meals
Three or more meals a day
Single claimant	17.10	17.55
Each person in family aged 16 or over	17.10	17.55
Each child under 16	8.65	8.85
Less than three meals a day
Single claimant	11.35	11.65
Each person in family aged 16 or over	11.35	11.65
Each child under 16	5.70	5.85

Schedule of main proposed social security benefitrates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
Breakfast only—claimant and each member of family	2.05	2.10
Capital
Upper limit	16,000.00	16,000.00
Amount disregarded	3,000.00	3,000.00
Child's limit	3,000.00	3,000.00
Tariff income
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Earnings disregards
Where disability premium awarded	15.00	15.00
Various specified employments	15.00	15.00
Lone parent	25.00	25.00
Where the claimant has a partner	10.00	10.00
Single claimant	5.00	5.00
Where carer premium awarded	15.00	15.00
Childcare charges	60.00	60.00
Other income disregards
Maintenance disregard	15.00	15.00
War disablement pension and war widow's pension	10.00	10.00
Certain voluntary and charitable payments	20.00	20.00
Student loan	10.00	10.00
Student's covenanted income	5.00	5.00
Income from boarders:
Disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus
50 per cent, of the balance of the charge	20.00	20.00
30 hour Adult Allowance in DWA	10.30	10.55
30 hour Adult Credit in FC	10.30	10.55
Expenses for subtenants
Furnished or unfurnished	4.00	4.00
Where heating is included, additional	9.25	9.25
INCAPACITY BENEFIT
Long-term incapacity benefit	61.15	62.45
Short-term incapacity benefit (under pension age)
Lower rate	46.15	47.10
Higher rate	54.55	55.70
Short-term incapacity benefit (over pension age)
Lower and higher rate	58.65	59.90
Increase of long-term incapacity benefit for age
Higher rate	12.90	13.15
Lower rate	6.45	6.60
Invalidity allowance (transitional)
Higher rate	12.90	13.15
Middle rate	8.10	8.30
Lower rate	4.05	4.15
INCOME SUPPORT
Personal Allowances
Single
Under 18—usual rate	28.85	29.60
Under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	37.90	38.90
18 to 24	37.90	38.90
25 or over	47.90	49.15
Lone parent
Under 18—usual rate	28.85	29.60
Under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	37.90	38.90
18 or over	47.90	49.15
Couple
Both under 18	57.20	58.70
One or both 18 or over	75.20	77.15
Dependent children
Birth to September following 11th birthday	16.45	16.90
From September following 11th birthday to September following 16th birthday	24.10	24.75
From September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	28.85	29.60

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
Dependent children with protected rates
Age 11 before 7 April 1997	24.10	24.75
Age 16 before 7 April 1997	28.85	29.60
Age 18 before 7 April 1997	37.90	38.90
Residential Allowance
Except Greater London	54.00	56.00
Greater London	60.00	62.00
Premiums
Family	10.55	10.80
Family (lone parent rate)	15.75	15.75
Pensioner
Single	19.75	19.65
Couple	28.90	29.65
Pensioner (enhanced)
Single	21.30	21.85
Couple	31.90	32.75
Pensioner (higher)
Single	25.90	26.55
Couple	37.05	38.00
Disability
Single	20.40	29.95
Couple	29.15	29.90
Severe disability
Single	36.40	37.15
Couple (one qualifies)	36.40	37.15
Couple (both qualify)	72.80	74.30
Disabled child	20.40	20.95
Carer	13.00	13.35
Maximum amounts for accommodation and meals in residential care homes
Old age	203.00	208.00
Very dependent elderly	234.00	240.00
Mental disorder (not handicap)	214.00	220.00
Drug/alcohol dependence	214.00	220.00
Mental handicap	244.00	250.00
Physical disablement
(a) (Under pension age)	276.00	285.00
(b) (Over pension age)	203.00	208.00
Others	203.00	208.00
Maximum Greater London increase	38.00	41.00
Nursing homes
Mental disorder (not handicap)	304.00	312.00
Drug/alcohol dependence	304.00	312.00
Mental handicap	310.00	318.00
Terminal illness	303.00	311.00
Physical disablement
(a) (Under pension age)	341.00	352.00
(b) (Over pension age)	303.00	311.00
Others (including elderly)	303.00	311.00
Maximum Greater London increase	43.00	46.00
Amounts for meals where these cannot be purchased within the accommodation
(Daily rate)
Breakfast	1.10	1.10
Midday meal	1.55	1.55
Evening meal	1.55	1.55
Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in
Private and voluntary residential Care and nursing homes personal expenses	13.75	14.10
Dependent children
(a) Under 11	5.65	5.80
(b) 11 to 15	8.25	8.45
(c) 16 to 17	9.55	9.80
(d) Age 18	13.75	14.10

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
Hospital
Higher rate	15.30	15.60
Lower rate	12.25	12.50
Local authority (Pt III) accommodation	61.15	62.45
Of which, Personal Expenses	13.75	14.10

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in:
The Polish home Ilford Park
Maximum amount of accommodation and meals	341.00	352.00
Personal expenses for claimants	17.35	17.35
Personal expenses for partner	17.35	17.35
Personal expenses for dependant children
(a) Under 11	5.65	5.80
(b) 11 to 15	8.25	8.45
(c) 16 to 17	9.55	9.80
(d) 18	15.55	15.55
Housing costs
Deductions for non-dependants aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support aged 18 or over, not in work or
Gross income less than £78	6.00	7.00
Aged 18 or over and in remunerative work:
Gross income: £78 to £115.99	12.00	13.00
Gross income: £116 to £151.99	16.00	17.00
Gross income: £152.00 and above	32.00	33.00
Deductions for direct payments
Arrears of housing, fuel and water costs council tax and fines default,	2.40	2.50
Deductions for child maintenance (standard)	4.80	5.00
Deductions for child maintenance (lower)	2.40	2.50
Arrears of community charge
Court order against claimant	2.40	2.50
Court order against couple	3.80	3.90
Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments
Ordinary overpayments	7.20	7.50
Where claimant convicted of fraud	9.60	10.00
Reduction in benefit for strikers	26.00	26.50
Capital
Upper limit	8,000.00	8,000.00
Amount disregarded	3,000.00	3,000.00
Child's limit	3,000.00	3,000.00
Upper limit for permanent residents of residential care/nursing homes (RC/NH)	16,000.00	16,000.00
Amount disregarded for permanent residents of RC/NH	10,000.00	10,000.00
Tariff income
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Disregards
Standard earnings	5.00	5.00
Couples earnings	10.00	10.00
Higher earnings	15.00	15.00
War disablement pension and war widow's pension	10.00	10.00
Voluntary and charitable payments	20.00	20.00
Student loan	10.00	10.00
Student's covenanted income	5.00	5.00
Income from boarders:
Disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus
50 per cent, of the balance of the charge	20.00	20.00
Expenses for subtenants
Furnished or unfurnished	4.00	4.00
Where heating is included, additional	9.25	9.25
INDUSTRIAL DEATH BENEFIT
Widow's pension
Higher rate	61.15	62.45
Lower rate	18.35	18.74
INDUSTRIAL DISABLEMENT PENSION
18 and over, or under 18 with dependants
100 per cent.	99.00	101.10
90 per cent.	89.10	90.99
80 per cent.	79.20	80.88
70 per cent.	69.30	70.77
60 per cent.	59.40	60.66
50 per cent.	49.50	50.55
40 per cent.	39.60	40.44

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
30 per cent.	29.70	30.33
20 per cent.	19.80	20.22
Under 18
100 per cent.	60.65	61.90
90 per cent.	54.59	55.71
80 per cent.	48.52	49.52
70 per cent.	42.46	43.33
60 per cent.	36.39	37.14
50 per cent.	30.33	30.95
40 per cent.	24.26	24.76
30 per cent.	18.20	18.57
20 per cent.	12.13	12.38
Maximum life gratuity (lump sum)	6,580.00	6,720.00
Unemployability supplement	61.15	62.45
plus where appropriate an increase for early incapacity
Higher rate	12.90	13.15
Middle rate	8.10	8.30
Lower rate	4.05	4.15
Maximum reduced earnings allowance	39.60	40.44
Maximum retirement allowance	9.90	10.11
Constant attendance allowance
Exceptional rate	79.40	81.00
Intermediate rate	59.55	60.75
Normal maximum rate	39.70	40.50
Part-time rate	19.85	20.25
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance	39.70	40.50
INVALID CARE ALLOWANCE	36.60	37.35
JOBSEEKERS ALLOWANCE
Personal allowances
Single
Under 18—usual rate	28.85	29.60
Under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	37.90	38.90
18 to 24	37.90	38.90
25 or over	47.90	49.15
Lone Parent
Under 18—usual rate	28.85	29.60
Under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	37.90	38.90
18 or over	47.90	49.15
Couple
Both under 18	28.85	29.60
Both under 18, one disabled	37.90	38.90
Both under 18, with responsibility for a child	57.20	58.70
One under 18, one 18–24	37.90	38.90
One under 18, one 25+	47.90	49.15
Both 18 or over	75.20	77.15
Dependent children
Birth to September following 11th birthday	16.45	16.90
From September following 11th birthday to September following 16th birthday	24.10	24.75
From September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	28.85	29.60
Dependent children with protected rates
Age 11 before 7 April 1997	24.10	24.75
Age 16 before 7 April 1997	28.85	29.60
Age 18 before 7 April 1997	37.90	38.90
Residential allowance
Except Greater London	54.00	56.00
Greater London	60.00	62.00
Premiums
Family	10.55	10.80
Family (lone parent rate)	15.75	15.75
Pensioner
Single	19.15	19.65
Couple	28.90	29.65
Pensioner (enhanced)
Couple	31.90	32.75
Pensioner (higher)
Single	25.90	26.55
Couple	37.05	38.00
Disability
Single	20.40	20.95

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
Couple	29.15	29.90
Severe disability
Single	36.40	37.15
Couple (one qualifies)	36.40	37.15
Couple (both qualify)	72.80	74.30
Disabled child	20.40	20.95
Carer	13.00	13.35
Maximum amounts for accommodation and meals in residential care homes
Mental disorder (not handicap)	214.00	220.00
Drug/alcohol dependence	214.00	220.00
Mental handicap	244.00	250.00
Physical disablement
(a) (Under pension age)	276.00	285.00
Others	203.00	208.00
Maximum Greater London increase	38.00	41.00
Nursing homes
Mental disorder (not handicap)	304.00	312.00
Drug/alcohol dependence	304.00	312.00
Mental handicap	310.00	318.00
Terminal illness	303.00	311.00
(a) (Under pension age)	341.00	352.00
Others (including elderly)	303.00	311.00
Maximum Greater London increase	43.00	46.00
Amounts for meals where these cannot be purchased within the accommodation
(Daily rate)
Breakfast	1.10	1.10
Midday meal	1.55	1.55
Evening meal	1.55	1.55
Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in
Private and voluntary residential care and nursing homes personal expenses	13.75	14.10
Dependent children
(a) Under 11	5.65	5.80
(b) 11 to 15	8.25	8.45
(c) 16 to 17	9.55	9.80
(d) Age 18	13.75	14.10
Hospital
Higher rate	15.30	15.60
lower rate	12.25	12.50
Local authority part III accommodation,	61.15	62.60
of which personal expenses	13.75	14.10
Housing costs deduction for non-dependants
Aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support
Aged 18 or over, not in work or Gross income less than £78	6.00	7.00
Aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
Gross income: £78.00 to £115.99	12.00	13.00
Gross income: £116.00 to £151.99	16.00	17.00
Gross income: £152 and above	32.00	33.00
Deduction for direct payments
Arrears of housing, fuel and water costs Council tax and fines default	2.40	2.50
Deductions for child maintenance (income-based JSA only)
Deductions for child maintenance (standard)	4.80	5.00
Deductions for child maintenance (lower)	2.40	2.50
Arrears of community charge
Court order against claimant	2.40	2.50
Court order against couple	3.80	3.90
Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments
Ordinary overpayments	7.20	7.50
Where claimant convicted of fraud	9.60	10.00
Reduction in benefit for strikers	26.00	26.50
Capital
Upper limit	8,000.00	8,000.00
Amount disregarded	3,000.00	3,000.00
Child's limit	3,000.00	3,000.00
Upper limit for perm. res. of RC/NH	16,000.00	16,000.00
Amount disregarded for perm. res. of RC/NH	10,000.00	10,000.00

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
Tariff income
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Disregards
Standard earnings	5.00	5.00
Couples earnings	10.00	10.00
Higher earnings	15.00	15.00
War disablement pension and war widow's pension	10.00	10.00
Voluntary and charitable payments	20.00	20.00
Student loan	10.00	10.00
Student's covenanted income	5.00	5.00
Income from boarders:
Disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus
50 per cent, of the balance of the charge	20.00	20.00
Expenses for subtenants
Furnished or unfurnished	4.00	4.00
Where heating is included, additional	9.25	9.25
MATERNITY ALLOWANCE
Lower rate	47.35	48.35
Higher rate	54.55	55.70
ONE PARENT BENEFIT	6.30	Nil
PNEUMOCONIOSIS, BYSSINOSIS, WORKMENS'S COMPENSATION (SUPPLEMENTATION) AND OTHER SCHEMES
Total disablement allowance and major incapacity allowance (maximum)	99.00	101.10
Partial disablement allowance	36.60	37.35
Unemployability supplement	61.15	62.45
Plus where appropriate increases for early incapacity
Higher rate	12.90	13.15
Middle rate	8.10	8.30
Lower rate	4.05	4.15
Constant attendance allowance
Exceptional rate	79.40	81.00
Intermediate rate	59.55	60.75
Normal maximum rate	39.70	40.50
Part-time rate	19.85	20.25
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance	39.70	40.50
Lesser incapacity allowance
Maximum rate of allowance	36.60	37.35
Based on loss of earnings over	48.50	49.50
Retirement Pension
Category A or B	61.15	62.45
Category B (lower)—husband's insurance	36.60	37.35
Category C or D—non-contributory	36.60	37.35
Category C (lower)—non-contributory	21.90	22.35
Additional pension	Increase by: 2.10 per cent.
Increment to:
Basic and additional pensions	Increased by: 2.10 percent.
Contracted out deductions (CODs) (Pre-April 1988 earnings)
Graduated retirement benefit (GRB)
Increments to CODs (post-April 1988 earnings)
[2.1 per cent, paid by schemes]
Graduated retirement benefit (unit) (pence)	7.94	8.11
Graduated retirement benefit (Inherited)	Increase by 2.10 per cent.
Addition at age 80	0.25	0.25
SEVERE DISABLEMENT ALLOWANCE
Basic rate	36.95	37.75
Age-related addition (from December 1990)
Higher rate	12.90	13.15
Middle rate	8.10	8.30
Lower rate	4.05	4.15
STATUTORY MATERNITY PAY
Earnings threshold	61.00	62.00
Lower rate	54.55	55.70

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
STATUTORY SICK PAY
Earnings threshold	61.00	62.00
Lower rate	54.55	55.70
WAR PENSIONS
Disablement Pension (100 per cent. rates)
Officer (£ per annum)	5,479.00	5,594.00
Other ranks	105.00	107.20
Age allowances
40 per cent.–50 per cent.	7.00	7.15
Over 50 per cent. but not over 70 per cent.	10.80	11.05
Over 70 per cent. but not over 90 per cent.	15.45	15.75
Over 90 per cent.	21.60	22.10
Disablement gratuity
(base figures for calculation purposes only)
Specified minor injury	6,580.00	6,720.00
Unspecified minor injury	3,619.00	3,696.00
Unemployability allowance
Personal	64.90	66.25
Adult dependency increase	36.60	37.35
(a) Increase for first child	9.90	9.90
(b) Increase for subsequent children	11.15	11.20
Invalidity allowance
Higher rate	12.90	13.15
Middle rate	8.10	8.30
Lower rate	4.05	4.15
Constant attendance allowance
Exceptional rate	79.40	81.00
Intermediate rate	59.55	60.75
Normal maximum rate	39.70	40.50
Part-time rate	19.85	20.25
Comforts allowance
Higher rate	17.00	17.40
Lower rate	8.50	8.70
Mobility supplement	37.75	38.55
Allowance for lowered standard of occupation (maximum)	39.60	40.44
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance	39.70	40.50
Severe disablement occupational allowance	19.85	20.25
Clothing allowance (£ per annum, maximum)	134.00	137.00
Education allowance (£ per annum, maximum)	120.00	120.00
War widow's pension
Widow (private)	79.35	81.00
Widow (NCO)	79.60	81.25
Widow—officer (£ p.a max)	4,907.00	5,010.00
Childless widow under 40 (private)	18.35	18.74
Childless widow under 40 (NCO)	18.63	19.02
Childless widow (officer max. £s pa)	4,907.00	5,010.00
Supplementary Pension	51.71	52.80
Age allowance
(a) Age 65 to 69	9.05	9.25
(b) Age 70 to 79	17.40	17.75
(c) Age 80 and over	25.90	26.45
Children's allowance
(a) Increase for first child (adjusted for ChB increase)	14.10	14.15
(b) Increase for subsequent children	15.35	15.45
Orphan's pension
(a) Increase for first child (adjusted for child benefit increase)	15.85	15.90
(b) Increase for subsequent children	17.10	17.20
Unmarried dependant living as spouse (max)	77.30	78.95
Rent allowance (maximum)	30.00	30.65
Adult orphan's pension (maximum)	61.15	62.45
Widower's pension
(i) Private (max)	79.35	81.00
(ii) Officer (£ per annum) max	4,907.00	5,010.00
WIDOW'S BENEFIT
Widow's payment (lump sum)	1,000.00	1,000.00
Widowed mother's allowance	61.15	62.45

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Weekly rates unless otherwise shown	Old rates 1996	New rates 1997
Widow's pension
Standard rate	61.51	62.45
Age-related
Age 54 (49)	56.87	58.08
Age 53 (48)	52.59	53.71
Age 52 (47)	48.31	49.34
Age 51 (46)	44.03	44.96
Age 50 (45)	39.75	40.59
Age 49 (44)	35.47	36.22
Age 48 (43)	31.19	31.85
Age 47 (42)	26.91	27.48
Age 46 (41)	22.63	23.11
Age 45 (40)	18.35	18.74

For deaths occurring before 11 April 1988 refer to age-points shown in brackets.

Schedule of main proposed social security benefit rates—April 1997
Appendix: Earnings top-up
	Old rates 1996 £	New rates 1997 £
SCHEME A
Credit
Couple	46.45	47.65
Single 25 and over	28.00	28.75
Single under 25	22.75	23.35
For working 30 hours + per week	10.30	10.55
Applicable amount (i.e. taper threshold)
Couple	75.20	77.15
Single 25 and over	58.20	59.70
Single under 25	48.20	49.45
SCHEME B
Credit
Couple	56.05	57.50
Single 25 and over	28.00	28.75
Single under 25	22.75	23.35
For working 30 hours + per week	10.30	10.55
Applicable amount (i.e. taper threshold)
Couple	75.20	77.15
Single 25 and over	75.20	77.15
Single under 25	75.20	77.15
BOTH SCHEMES
Capital
Upper limit	8,000.00	Fixed rates
Amount disregarded	3,000.00	Fixed rates
Traffic income
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit		Fixed rate