§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the net cost is of(a) the increase in the basic state pension from April 2001, including the inflation element, and (b) the increase in the Minimum Income Guarantee from April 2001. [146352]
139W
§ Mr. RookerThe information is in the table.
Estimated net costs of uprating selected benefits,2001–02 £ million Benefit Net costs Basic State Pension 2,450 Minimum Income Guarantee 650 Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefits for those aged 60 and over 150 Total cost 3,250 Notes:
1. Figures are in cash terms and are rounded to the nearest £50 million.
2. Estimates relate to Great Britain.
3. Costs include both costs of uprating in line with inflation and costs of discretionary policy measures.
4. Basic State Pension costs include costs of dependency increases and basic pension increments.
5. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for those aged 60 and over are included as the applicable amounts for these benefits are the same as those in the Minimum Income Guarantee.