§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What assessments have been made, in the context of the Pensions Bill, of the impact that reducing limited price indexation will have on the number of pensioners eligible for means-tested benefits if inflation exceeds 2.5 per cent. [HL2440]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)We estimate that, as a result of reducing the limited price indexation cap from 5 per cent to 2.5 per cent, the average pensioner will face a reduction in their total income over retirement of less than 2 per cent. We do not therefore expect a significant increase in the number of pensioners eligible for income-related benefits.
§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the rates of poverty among people aged over 80 are likely to be affected by the reduction in limited price indexation as outlined in the Pensions Bill. [HL2441]
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamWe estimate that, as a result of reducing the limited price indexation cap from 5 per cent to 2.5 per cent, the average pensioner will face a reduction in their total income over retirement of less than 2 per cent. As those affected will already have additional provision for their retirement from their occupational pensions, it is unlikely the measure will have any measurable impact on people aged over 80. Moreover, other measures in the Bill, such as the Pension Protection Fund, should help all pensioners by offering protection against the more significant losses of retirement income that may result from employer insolvency.