§ Pete WishartTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to review the current benefits system; and when the last review was carried out. [37952]
§ Malcolm WicksThe benefits system is constantly under review.
§ Pete WishartTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the current rates of benefit are; when they were set; and what criteria were used to establish the level of benefit. [37953]
§ Malcolm WicksI refer the hon. Member to the written answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Derby, North (Mr. Laxton) on 28 November 2001,Official Report, column 895W.
Rates of benefit are reviewed each year taking into consideration the change in the general level of prices in the September prior to the April in which the new rates are to come into force. Generally, contributory and non-contributory benefits are uprated by the Retail Prices Index and income-related benefits by the Rossi index (RPI less housing costs). However, there is discretion to increase rates other than in line with the rate of inflation, for example, the minimum income guarantee was increased by more than inflation to help combat pensioner poverty.