§ 22. Mr. LockTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations the Government have received on inequalities in income amongst pensioners. [47492]
§ Mr. BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made of(a) present and (b) future inequalities of pensioner incomes; and what action she plans in this area. [47501]
§ Mr. DenhamWe want today's and tomorrow's pensioners to enjoy security in retirement. Income402W inequality between the best and worst off pensioners has grown since 1979, and estimates show that this inequality is set to widen in the future.
Our first priority is to get extra help to the poorest pensioners. Preliminary findings from our pilot projects and research published recently show that the pilots have so far discovered pensioners who are missing out between 24 pence and £51 a week. They would also be missing out on their £50 winter fuel payment as well as cold weather payments.
It is a scandal that so many pensioners are living below the breadline. The research and pilots are an important step towards putting that right. The full results should be available early in the New Year.