§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people over retirement age lived below the poverty line in(a) Lancashire, (b) the North West of England, (c) Wales and (d) the UK, in each of the last five years. [85331]
§ Mr. McCartneyPoverty is a complex, multidimensional issue, affecting many aspects of pensioners' lives—including income, health, housing and the quality of their environment. Consequently, there is no single measure of pensioner poverty; providing a decent income is key. At present, no pensioner has to get by on less than £98.15 a week under the minimum income guarantee (£149.80 for couples). These rates will increase in April 2003 to £102.10 for single pensioners and £155.80 for couples.
From April 2002, the Government is spending an extra £6 billion a year in real terms on pensioners as a result of policies introduced since 1997. This includes £2½ billion more on the poorest third of pensioners.