§ 23. Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has made of the effect of Government policy on the incomes of(a) the poorest pensioners and (b) all pensioners. [138656]
§ Malcolm WicksAs a result of Government measures already undertaken since 1997, including the introduction of pension credit in October, on average
pensioner households will be £1,250 a year better off in real terms—around £24 extra a week; andthe poorest third of pensioner households will have gained £1,600 a year in real terms.Providing a decent income for the poorest pensioners is key. Since April 2003, no pensioner has to get by on less than £102.10 per week (£155.80 for couples).