§ 14. Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with the Scottish Executive on UK-wide initiatives to alleviate pensioner poverty in Scotland. [155184]
§ Mr. FoulkesI have frequent discussions with the Scottish Executive on a wide variety of issues. On pensioner poverty, we have introduced a number of measures to target the poorest pensioners. These measures include the Minimum Income Guarantee, free television licences for those aged 75 or over and the Winter Fuel Payments for those aged 60 or over. From this month, the basic State pension will raise by £5 for a single pensioner and £8 for a couple. From 2003, we shall introduce the Pension Credit which will reward pensioners with modest savings. Together with Jackie Baillie I launched the Government's Fuel Poverty Strategy in Scotland.