HC Deb 17 April 2002 vol 383 cc1005-6W
Mr. Pike

To 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. McCartney

[pursuant to the reply, 10 April 2002, c. 228W]: The minimum income guarantee was introduced in 1999. 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.

Percentage increase
Single Couple
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