§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the rise in the minimum income guarantee has been since 1997 after taking account of inflation. [45913]
§ Mr. McCartneyThe minimum income guarantee was introduced in 1997. Since 1999, annual rises in the minimum income guarantee have been linked to earnings. The rises, after taking into account inflation increases and the differences in the premiums paid, are shown in the table:
229W
Single (per cent. increase) Couple (per cent. increase) April 1997 n/a n/a April 1998 0.0 0.0 April 1999 4.4 4.5 April 2000 3.0 3.0 April 2001 15.9 13.7 April 2002 4.8 4.9
§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many claimants of the minimum income guarantee are attributed with income from private pension funds not yet annuitised; and how many claimants of MIG who were rejected were attributed with such income. [46613]
§ Mr. McCartneyInformation regarding the numbers of minimum income guarantee claimants with income attributed to private pension funds not yet annuitised, and unsuccessful claims to minimum income guarantee attributed with such income, is not available.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners in Portsmouth receive the minimum income guarantee; and if he will make a statement. [46436]
§ Maria EagleAs at November 2001, there were 5,000 claimants in receipt of the minimum income guarantee in the Portsmouth local authority area. However, when we include partners, 5,500 pensioners are benefiting from the minimum income guarantee.
Over two million pensioners nationwide benefit from the minimum income guarantee. Those pensioners in receipt of minimum income guarantee are at least £15 per week better off in real terms than in 1997. From April 2002, no single pensioner will be expected to live on less than £98.15 per week and no pensioner couple on less than £149.50.
Source:Income Support Statistics Quarterly Inquiry 5 per cent. sample, November 2001.