§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much money was raised in the last financial year as a result of docking state pensions because the recipients were in hospital for more than(a) six weeks and (b) 52 weeks. [14451]
§ Mr. McCartneyThe rules for the adjustment of benefit for periods in hospital prevent double provision from public funds as the NHS provides free board and lodgings as well as free treatment. So the downrating rules are based on the principle that Social Security maintenance benefits, also paid out of state funds, should not be paid in full indefinitely where a person is in a NHS hospital and having their day to day living expenses met through the NHS.
These rules, which are laid down in law, have been applied with only minor modifications since the introduction of the national insurance scheme over 50 years ago.
Reduction in state pension expenditure due to hospital downrating in cash terms is as follows:
£ million (cash terms) Downrating type 6–52 weeks Over 52 weeks Total 1996–07 22 37 58 1997–08 22 33 55 1998–09 24 32 56 1999–2000 26 30 56 2000–01 28 29 57 Note:
Rounded to the nearest £ million