§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of average pensioner household disposable income in each year since 1997; what factors are taken into account in calculating the average figure; and if he will make a statement. [186928]
1124W
§ Malcolm WicksThe information in the table gives, in 2002–03 prices, the average weekly net before and after housing cost income for pensioner units between 1996–97 and 2002–03. In this period, net income before housing costs has increased by 19 per cent. in real terms, whereas net income after housing costs has increased by 26 per cent. in real terms.
Average pensioner unit net income (£) Income before housing costs
Income after housing costs
1996–97 199 170 1997–98 202 174 1998–99 208 182 1999–2000 216 189 2000–01 225 202 2001–02 233 210 2002–03 237 214 Notes: 1. Pensioners' income includes income from state pensions and benefits, private pensions and investment income. 2. The net before housing cost measure of disposable income is equal to gross income minus income tax payments; National insurance contributions; domestic rates/council tax; contributions to occupational pension schemes; maintenance and child support payments; and parental contributions to students living away from home. 3. The net after housing cost measure additionally deducts rent; water rates; community water charges; and council water charges; mortgage interest payments, structural insurance premiums; and ground rent and service charges. Source: Pensioners' Income Series 2002–03, in 2002–03 prices. The estimates are based on the Family Resources Survey.