§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were in receipt of both Widows Benefit and Housing Benefit in the latest year for which figures are available. [130063]
§ Angela EagleThe information has already been published in both Social Security Statistics—May 1998 (table 3.12, page 82) and in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Annual Summary Statistics—May 1998 (table 3.10, page 15). The figures for May 1998 are the latest available.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the percentage increase in(a) Widows Benefit and (b) Housing Benefit for the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will use a common index for uprating both. [130064]
§ Angela EagleFollowing the normal practice, Widows Benefit was uprated in line with RPI of 1.1 per cent. with effect from April 2000. Housing Benefit for non-pensioners was uprated by the Rossi index of 1.6 per cent. for the same period. Housing Benefit for pensioners was uprated by average earnings of 4.6 per cent. We have no plans to use a common index for uprating Widows Benefit and Housing Benefit.