§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average pension income was in each year since 1997. [93077]
§ Mr. McCartneyThe average incomes of pensioners is in the table.
£ per week Average pension income Year All pensioner units Pensioner couples Single pensioners 1997–98 196 280 143 1998–99 201 285 148 1999–2000 209 291 155 2000–01 215 301 160 Notes:
1. All incomes are £ per week and at 2000–01 prices.
2. The average incomes quoted are net incomes before housing costs, which measures the net incomes before a reduction for the cost of housing.
3. Pensioners are defined as: single (no-cohabiting) people over state pension age (65 for men and 60 for women) and couples (married or cohabiting) where the man, who is defined as the head of the couple is aged 65 and over.
Source:
Pensioners' Incomes Series, 2000/1