§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average effect would be on an individual pensioner of adopting the harmonised index of consumer prices as a means of calculating inflation in respect of pensions in each year until 2007. [161374]
§ Malcolm WicksThe information requested is not currently available.
The effect on pensioners of adopting the harmonised index of consumer prices as a means of calculating inflation in respect of pensions in each year from April 2004 until 2007 would differ depending on the circumstances of each pensioner.
However, we have no plans to change the basis on which we uprate state pensions.
§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many pensioners have been affected by the changes to the way inflation is calculated since the adoption of the harmonised index of consumer prices. [161375]
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§ Malcolm WicksI have been asked to reply.
The harmonised index of consumer prices is not used to uprate social security benefits, and there is no requirement to use it to uprate occupational or personal pensions.