HC Deb 17 November 1998 vol 319 cc554-5W
Mr. Field

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the current value of the age allowances for pensioners(a) aged 65 years and over and (b) aged 75 years and over in respect of those on a single income of (a) £4,045 to £5,220, (b) £5,221 to £9,320, (c) £9,321 to £15,600 and (d) £15,601 to £17,950 and on joint incomes of (i) £7,545 to £10,075, (ii) £10,076 to £14,175, (iii) £14,176 to £15,895 and (iv) £15,895 to £32,555; [60034]

(2) if he will list the value of the age allowance for single pensioners with joint incomes at five yearly intervals for the last 30 years. [60032]

Ms Hewitt

In 1998–99, for a single pensioner aged 65 to 74 years, the personal allowance is as shown in the table:

£
Range of income Personal allowance
For incomes up to the aged income limit (16,200) 5,410
For incomes between 16,201 and 18,630 5,410 less half of the difference between total income and 16,200
For incomes above 18,630 4,195

In 1998–99, for a single pensioner aged 75 years and over, the personal allowance is:

£
Range of income Personal allowance
For incomes up to the aged income limit (16,200) 5,600
For incomes between 16,201 and 19,010 5,600 less half of the difference between total income and 16,200
For incomes above 19,010 4,195

For a married pensioner, the value of the allowances available will depend on the ages of the husband and wife and the distribution of income between them.

The historical series are available in the 1997–98 edition of the Tax Benefit Reference Manual which is available in the Library.