§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce tax relief for pensioners in receipt of low levels of occupational pensions which are subject to tax. [122095]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonOnly four out of 10 pensioners have any income tax to pay. People aged 65 or more receive a higher level of income tax personal allowance: for example, someone aged between 65 and 74 has a personal allowance of £5,790 in 2000–01, in contrast with the allowance for people under 65 of £4,385. The age-related personal allowances were increased by substantially more than statutory indexation in 1999–2000 and have risen in line with indexation this year. They are gradually withdrawn in cases where income exceeds £17,000 a year.