HC Deb 20 July 2001 vol 372 c701W
Mr. Laws

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy to ensure that support to pensioners is increased in line with GDP growth; and if he will make a statement. [6063]

Mr. McCartney

We want all pensioners to have a decent and secure income in retirement and to share fairly in the rising prosperity of the country. We are providing significant extra help for pensioners, including a £200 winter fuel payment and a minimum income guarantee of more than £92 a week for single pensioners. We have increased the basic state pension by £5 a week for single people and £8 a week for couples. In 2001–02 alone, we will be spending £4.4 billion more in real terms on help for pensioners than was spent in 1996–97.