§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost of the New Deal for Employment was in each year from 2001–02 to 2005–06 (planned); and if he will make a statement. [156702]
§ Mr. BrowneThe information is in the table.
The Department does not collect information on the cost of funeral services, however the amount of a funeral payment is kept under review and we continue to consult with representatives from funeral directors' associations, church groups and other interested organisations.
The available information regarding increases in elements of the regulated Social Fund is in the table.
1017W
Regulated Social Fund prescribed elements in cash and real terms since 1997
£ Cash terms Real terms 2003–04 prices Sure Start Maternity Grant 1997–98 100 116 1998–99 100 113 1999–2000 100 110 2000–01 200 218 2000–01 300 327 2001–02 300 318 2002–03 500 514 2003–04 500 500 Funeral Payment 1997–98 600 696 1998–99 600 676 1999–2000 600 662 2000–01 600 653 2001–02 600 637 2002–03 600 616 2003–04 700 700 Cold Weather Payment 1997–98 8.50 9.86 1998–99 8.50 9.58 1999–2000 8.50 9.38 2000–01 8.50 9.26 2001–02 8.50 9.02 2002–03 8.50 8.73 2003–04 8.50 8.50
Regulated Social Fund prescribed elements in cash and real terms since 1997 £ Cash terms Real terms 2003–04 prices Winter fuel payment (IS/JSA(IB) with pensioner premium) 1997–98 50 58 1998–99 50 56 1999–2000 100 110 2000–01 200 218 2001–02 200 212 2002–03 200 205 2003–04 200 200 Winter fuel payment (other eligible) 1997–98 20 23 1998–99 20 23 1999–2000 100 110 2000–01 200 218 2001–02 200 212 2002–03 200 205 2003–04 200 200 80 plus annual payment 2003–04 100 100 Note: Real terms prices have been calculated using the GDP deflator issued by HMT on 23 Dec 2003 Source: DWP Figures