§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of pensioners received part of their income from means-tested social assistance, benefits and income support in each of the last five years; and what his estimate is for this figure for the next five years. [78474]
305W
§ Mr. McCartneyThe information is not available in the format requested. However around one third of pensioner benefit units have been in receipt of income-related benefits over the past five years. This proportion is expected to remain broadly constant over the next five years.
Notes:
1. We have defined pensioners by the Income Support definition i.e. where either partner is aged 60 or over.
2. Income related benefits have been defined as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support/Minimum Income Guarantee/Pension Credit. Each benefit unit is only counted once, for example a benefit unit in receipt of both Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit won't be counted in each group.
3. All estimates provided are consistent with those supplied for the 2002 Spending Review, and include the estimated effects of Pension Credit and New Tax Credits where appropriate.
4. Estimates provided include people in residential care and nursing homes as well as private households.