§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what time-frame he has set for ending pensioner poverty. [145110]
§ Malcolm WicksOne of the Government's key priorities is to tackle pensioner poverty. We want all pensioners to have a secure income in retirement and to share in the rising prosperity of the country.
Our strategy is already working. Compared with the 1997 system, as a result of Government measures, from April 2004, on average pensioner households will be £1,250 a year better off in real terms. Our target is, that by 2006, Pension Credit should be in payment to at least 3 million pensioner households.
1086WIn addition, we also recognise the need for long-term solutions. Our proposals in Action on Occupational Pensions—Working and Saving for Retirement contain measures for reform to address the issues faced by an ageing population.