HC Deb 14 July 1998 vol 316 cc108-9W
Miss Kirkbride

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will provide a breakdown of the sums available to pensioners who have not claimed their income support, indicating the number within the ranges (a) 0 to 50 pence, (b) 50 pence to £1, (c) £1 to £2 and (d) measured in £1 steps, up to £55 per week. [49650]

Mr. Denham

The information is not available in the form requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table.

Number of pensioner benefit units not claiming entitlement to income support by amount unclaimed in 1995–96
000s
Band Number of pensioners
£0–£1 60
£1.01–£2 60
£2.01–£3 50
£3.01–£4 401
£4.01–£5 60
£5.01–£6 50
£6.01–£7 80
£7.01–£8 50
£8.01–£9 50
£9.01–£10 130
£10.01–£11 130
£11.01–£12 50
£12.01–£13 120
£13.01–£23 70
£23.01–£33 140
£33.01–£43 70
£43.01–£53 50
£53.01–High 60
Total 1,010
1The estimates are based on particularly small sample sizes and should be treated with caution

Notes:

1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10,000 and may not sum due to rounding. The estimates are based on the 1995–96 FRS and are almost certainly subject to some degree of error

2. The median unclaimed amount is £9.10: 50 per cent. of pensioners are therefore entitled to less than this amount and 50 per cent. are entitled to more

3. It has not been possible to provide figures in 50 pence bands up to £1, or figures in £1 bands above £13 because the amounts in the sample size are too small. The table therefore shows £10 bands above £13, up to £53

4. The term "pensioner benefit unit" refers to a single pensioner over the age of 60—with or without dependent children—or a couple (married or unmarried) together with any dependent children, whether either partner is over the age of 60

Source:

Family Resources Survey (FRS) 1995–96