Written Statement of 19 November 2002

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Council Duties
  The Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State (Mr. John Prescott)
  We want to encourage people to stand as local councillors. We recognise their voluntary contribution as an important aspect of public life. We recognise that this commitment can be time-consuming, and therefore welcome employers encouraging their employees to serve as councillors by allowing them paid time-off to carry out their council duties.

  The Electoral Commission has published its view that, under Schedule 7 to the Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000 ("the Act"), the provision of such paid time-off should be treated as a political donation to the employee in his or her capacity as a holder of elective office. On the basis of this view, the value of such paid time-off must be reported to the Commission, where the total is more than £1,000 for each employee in the course of a year. In addition, employees will not lawfully be able to accept such paid time-off from their employers where these are not "permissible donors" under the Act.

  The Government accepts that there has been uncertainty surrounding the issue. However, the Government's long-standing policy is that the provisions of the Act should not apply to the receipt by a councillor of paid time-off for carrying out his or her duty as a councillor. It would be clearly wrong for some employers not to be able to offer paid time-off to their employees to serve as councillors. Moreover requirements on other employers, and in some cases their employees, to calculate and to report the value of such paid time-off to the Electoral Commission would be a disincentive for employers from supporting employees who wish to serve as councillors.

  Consequently, we are proposing to include in the Local Government Bill, announced on 13 November in the Queen's Speech, amendments to Schedule 7 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. The effect of these amendments would be to exclude the value of any salary paid to an employee by an employer in respect of time-off taken in order to undertake duties as a local councillor from the definition of a donation in Schedule 7 to the Act. This would mean that it will be open to all employers to grant such paid time-off, and that the value of such time-off would not have to be reported to the Electoral Commission.

  We are providing for these amendments to apply with retrospective effect, so that any paid time-off which might have been granted to councillors since 16 February 2001, when the requirements of Schedule 7 to Act came into force, is not to be considered as a political donation.
  12WS

  Empty Homes
  The Minister for Local Government and the Regions (Mr. Nick Raynsford)
  The Government recognises that council tax information may be useful to local authority empty homes services in their work to get such property back into use. However, it is unclear whether legislation as it currently stands allows either personal or non-personal information collected for council tax purposes to be divulged to, or used by, other parts of an authority and we are aware that the Information Commissioner has advised that the legislation does not permit such uses of council tax personal information.

  The Government has therefore decided to legislate in the forthcoming Local Government Bill to make it clear local authorities can use personal and non-personal council tax information to support the development and implementation of strategies dealing with empty homes. In legislating, we will ensure that personal information will be limited to an individual's name or an address or number for communicating with him. I believe this is a sensible and proportionate response which will help get more long term empty domestic property back into use.

  Council Tax
  The Minister for Local Government and the Regions (Mr. Nick Raynsford)
  In the light of responses to last November's consultation paper on proposed changes for second homes and long term empty homes, we have decided to give local authorities new discretion in relation to council tax discounts and exemptions.

  Firstly, we will allow English local authorities to reduce council tax discounts on second homes from 50 per cent to a minimum 10 per cent. Authorities in the areas where the discount has been reduced will retain any additional council tax raised. We do not propose to reduce their revenue support grant to reflect their ability to raise more council tax. The changes could raise an estimated extra £65 million in England and authorities will be able to decide how to spend this money to improve local public services, such as affordable housing, transport or policing.

  We have decided not to remove the discount completely because owners need an incentive to inform the local authority that properties are second homes. Without such information, local authorities would not be able to identify the extra revenue which could be raised from changing the discount.

  We recognise the special position of those who are required to live in tied accommodation provided by their employer or because of a legal requirement, such as a condition of a licence. A discount of 50 per cent will continue to apply in these cases.

  Secondly, we will allow English local authorities to reduce or remove completely the current 50 per cent council tax discounts on long term empty dwellings. Authorities will not retain any additional revenue raised. This is because we believe that decisions on whether to end the discount should be based purely on whether the measure is likely to make owners consider bringing their properties back into use.
  13WS
  Thirdly, we will give local authorities in England and Wales powers to create their own discounts and exemptions, including powers to grant relief on a case by case basis. Authorities exercising these powers will meet the costs of any new discounts or exemptions.

  These decisions follow consultation on the proposals which demonstrated strong support for the reduction of discounts on second and long-term empty homes.

  An analysis of the responses to the consultation exercise has already been placed in the Library of the House and on the web-site of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

  These measures require primary legislation. As we said in the consultation draft of our Local Government Bill published on 12 June, we plan to add these measures to this Bill before it is introduced.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  "Success for All" Strategy
  The Minister of State for Education and Skills (Mr. Charles Clarke)
  We will today launch the "Success for All" strategy for reforming further education and training. "Success for All" will build on the strengths and systematically tackle the weaknesses within the learning and skills sector, through a programme of reforms which will:improve the responsiveness, design and quality of provision in each locality to meet learner, employer and community needs, with providers focusing on their individual strengths;
  achieve excellence in teaching and learning across the sector by identifying, creating and disseminating good, learning materials and training and support practice programmes;
  improve leadership, raise the number of qualified teachers, managers and support staff in the sector, and ensure better rewards for high performing staff; and
  Establish a new planning, funding and accountability system for providers in the sector.

  This strategy represents a vote of confidence for the learning and skills sector, and will be supported by our largest ever investment programme in further education and training:
  the total planned funding for further education allocated to the Learning and Skills Council will rise by £1.2 billion by 2005–6 compared to 2002–3, a 19 per cent. real terms increase in 3 years;
  all learning and skills providers will negotiate 3-year funding deals based on agreed assumptions on participation levels;
  capital funding for the whole learning and skills sector allocated to the LSC will rise by over 60 per cent. in real terms by 2005–6 compared to 2002–3; and
  funding of over £40million in 2003–4 rising to over £100 million in the year 2005–6, to deliver a major programme of training and support for teachers and trainers across the learning and skills sector in response to area reviews and inspection findings

  For further education and sixth form colleges, we will provide new money sufficient to raise the core unit of funding by 2 per cent. each year in real terms, on average. Targeted funds for college pay and staff training will also be consolidated into core funding, further boosting the core unit of funding by at least 3.5 per cent. from 2003–4.
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  Higher funding rates will be paid to colleges who perform well in meeting the needs of learners and employers. Poor performing colleges will get lower increases. Where necessary they will receive additional support and intervention until they improve. By 2005–6, this investment should enable a substantial narrowing of the core funding gap between FE and school sixth forms, and of the pay gap for staff between general FE colleges and schools.

  We are also committed to further investment in work based learning providers to deliver the major reform of Modern Apprenticeships recommended by the MA Advisory Committee under Sir John Cassels, and the PSA target of 28 per cent. of young people entering MAs before they are 22 by 2004. We will make further announcements in due course about assumed funding for work based learning and adult and community learning.

DEFENCE

  Medical Manning and Retention
  The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Dr. Lewis Moonie)
  The Medical Manning and Retention Review has recently been completed. It was conducted inclusively, with the involvement of the British Medical and Dental Associations and NHS representation. The Review was undertaken against the background of serious manning shortfalls among medical and dental officers in the Defence Medical Services (DMS). It complements the work of the Medical Quinquennial Review (MQR) and its recommendations will be taken forward in parallel with those of the MQR. The Review will inform the Ministry of Defence paper of evidence to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB) for the 2003 pay round.

  The Review has involved a detailed examination of the manning requirement and how this should be met. It has also examined the factors which influence medical and dental officer manning and, to assist in this, an independent human resources consultant was employed to obtain the views of serving medical and dental officers and those who had recently left the Armed Forces. As part of the Review, comparisons were made with pay and conditions of service in the NHS and other potential areas of employment. The MOD's existing proposals for aligning the terms of service of medical and dental officers across the three Services were also re-examined.

  The Review concluded that three main issues needed to be addressed if the necessary improvements in recruitment and retention were to be achieved: overstretch; pay and pensions; and the quality of life. It made a number of recommendations covering both remuneration and non-financial issues. The main recommendations are:
  New pay arrangements, endorsed by the AFPRB, which will form the basis for our evidence on medical and dental officers' pay to the AFPRB early in the New Year. It is planned that the new pay structure will be implemented in two phases; the first, which contains most of the changes, with effect from 1 April 2003, and the second with effect from 1 April 2004;
  Interim improvements to the pension arrangements for DMS medical and dental officers in advance of the introduction of a final salary scheme for all military personnel around 2005–6;

  15WS
  Introduction of "Golden hellos" not exceeding £50,000 gross for a commensurate 5-year return of service to improve direct entry recruiting in those medical specialities that are in short supply and have a significant deployment base

  The Review also addressed the need further to strengthen management processes across the DMS and proposed a range of recommendations encompassing management, career and quality of life issues which will receive urgent action.

  The outcome of the Review will provide a significant opportunity to build on the work of the MQR and maintain focus on the two key defence medical outputs—deployable operational medical capability, and timely appropriate healthcare for Service personnel. The Government is committed to providing modern and

  Weekly rates unless otherwise shown

  Rates

  2002

  2003

  Attendance Allowance

  higher rate

  56.25

  57.20

  lower rate

  37.65

  38.30

  Child Benefit

  —only, elder or eldest for whom child benefit is payable (couple)

  15.75

  16.05

  —only, elder or eldest for whom child benefit is payable (lone parent)

  17.55

  17.55

  —each subsequent child

  10.55

  10.75

  Council Tax Benefit

  Personal allowances

  single

  18 to 24

  42.70

  43.25

  25 or over

  53.95

  54.65

  lone parent—18 or over

  53.95

  54.65

  couple—one or both over 18

  84.65

  85.75

  Dependent Children

  from birth to September following 16th birthday

  37.00

  38.50

  from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday

  37.80

  38.50

  Pensioner (from October 2003)

  single—60 to 64

  102.10

  couple—one or both 60 to 64

  155.80

  single—65 and over

  116.90

  couple—one or both 65 and over

  175.00

  Premiums

  family

  14.75

  15.75

  family (lone parent rate)

  22.20

  22.20

  pensioner

  single

  44.20

  47.45

  couple

  65.15

  70.05

  pensioner (enhanced)

  single

  44.20

  47.45

  couple

  65.15

  70.05

  pensioner (higher)

  single

  44.20

  47.45

  couple

  65.15

  70.05

  disability

  single

  23.00

  23.30

  couple

  32.80

  33.25

  enhanced disability premium single rate

  11.25

  11.40

  disabled child rate

  11.25

  16.60

  couple rate

  16.25

  16.45

  severe disability

  single

  42.25

  42.95

  couple (one qualifies)

  42.25

  42.95

  couple (both qualify)

  84.50

  85.90

  disabled child

  35.50

  41.30

  carer

  24.80

  25.10

  bereavement

  21.55

  22.80

  Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital

  higher rate

  18.90

  19.35

  lower rate

  15.10

  15.50

  16WS
  forward-looking Defence Medical Services fit to meet the challenges we expect to face in the twenty-first century.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Benefits Uprating
  The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr. Andrew Smith)
  The new rates of benefits proposed from April 2003 are set out in the tables. The Annual uprating of benefits will take place in the first full week of the tax year. In 2003, this will be the week beginning 7 April. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland proposes to introduce similar changes for Northern Ireland.
  17WS

  Weekly rates unless otherwise shown

  Rates

  2002

  2003

  Non-dependent deductions

  aged 18 or over and in remunerative work

  —gross income: £293 or more

  6.95

  6.95

  —gross income: £235 to £292.99

  5.80

  5.80

  —gross income: £ 137 to £234.99

  4.60

  4.60

  —gross income less than £ 137

  2.30

  2.30

  others, aged 18 or over

  2.30

  2.30

  Alternative maximum Council Tax Benefit

  second adult on IS or JSA(ib)

  25% of Council Tax

  25% of Council Tax

  second adult's gross income:

  —under £137

  15% of Council Tax

  15% of Council Tax

  —£137 to £176.99

  7.5% of Council Tax

  7.5% of Council Tax

  Capital

  upper limit

  16,000.00

  16,000.00

  amount disregarded

  3,000.00

  3,000.00

  upper limit (clmt/ptner 60 or over)

  16,000.00

  16,000.00

  upper limit (PC guarantee) from October 2003

  No limit

  amount disregarded (clmt/ptner 60 or over)

  6,000.00

  6,000.00

  child disregard

  3,000.00

  3,000.00

  upper limit of RC/NH

  16,000.00

  16,000.00

  amt disregarded of RC/NH

  10,000.00

  10,000.00

  Tariff income

  £1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital

  disregarded and capital upper limit

  Tariff income (clmt/ptner 60 or over) from October 2003

  £1 for every £500 or part thereof between amount of capital disregard and

  capital upper limit

  Earnings disregards

  where disability premium awarded

  20.00

  20.00

  various specified employments

  20.00

  20.00

  lone parent

  25.00

  25.00

  where the claimant has a partner

  10.00

  10.00

  single claimant

  5.00

  5.00

  where carer premium awarded

  20.00

  20.00

  childcare charges

  94.50

  94.50

  childcare charges (2 or more children)

  140.00

  140.00

  Other income disregards

  maintenance disregard

  15.00

  15.00

  war disablement pension and war widow's pension

  10.00

  10.00

  certain voluntary and charitable payments

  20.00

  20.00

  student loan

  10.00

  10.00

  student's covenanted income

  5.00

  5.00

  income from boarders:

  disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus

  50% of the balance of the charge

  20.00

  20.00

  30 Hr Adult Allowance in WTC

  11.65

  11.90

  30 Hr Adult Credit in WTC

  11.65

  11.90

  Expenses for subtenants

  furnished or unfurnished

  4.00

  4.00

  where heating is included, additional

  9.40

  9.65

  Dependency Increases

  Adult Dependency Increases for spouse or person looking after children, with;

  retirement pension or own insurance

  45.20

  46.35

  long-term incap. benefit, unemployability supplement

  42.45

  43.15

  severe disablement allowance

  25.45

  25.90

  invalid care allowance (carer's allowance from April 2003)

  25.35

  25.80

  short-term incap. benefit if beneficiary over pension age

  40.80

  41.50

  maternity allowance/short-term incap. benefit

  33.10

  33.65

  Child Dependency Increases with; retirement pension, widowed mothers allowance, widowed parents allowance, short-term incap. benefit at the higher rate and long-term incap. benefit invalid care allowance (carer's allowance from April 2003)

  severe disab. allowance, higher rate industrial death benefit, unemployability supplement and short-term incap. benefit if beneficiary over pension age

  11.35

  11.35

  NB-The Overlapping Benefits Regulations provide for the rate of child dependency increases to be adjusted where the increase is payable for the eldest eligible child for whom ChB is also payable. The weekly rate of the increase is reduced by the differential (less £3.50 from April 2000), between the rate of ChB payable for the oldest eligible child and that payable for a subsequent child

  18WS 19WS

  Weekly rates unless otherwise shown

  Rates

  2002

  2003

  Disability Living Allowance

  Care Component

  highest

  56.25

  57.20

  middle

  37.65

  38.30

  lowest

  14.90

  15.15

  Mobility Component

  higher

  39.30

  39.95

  lower

  14.90

  15.15

  Earnings Rules

  Invalid Care Allowance (Carer's Allowance from April 2003)

  75.00

  77.00

  Limit of earnings from councillor's allowance (new rate applies from October 2002)

  66.00

  67.50

  Permitted work earnings limit (new rate applies from October 2002)

  66.00

  67.50

  Industrial injuries unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual

  3,432.00

  3,510.00

  amount)

  Adult dependency increases with short-term incap. benefit where claimant is

  (a) under pension age

  33.10

  33.65

  (b) over pension age

  40.80

  41.50

  maternity allowance

  33.10

  33.65

  retirement pension, long-term incapacity benefit, severe disablement

  allowance, unemployability supplement where dependant

  (a) is living with claimant

  53.95

  54.65

  (b) still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule

  45.09

  45.09

  retirement pension, long term incap. benefit

  45.20

  46.35

  and unemployability supplement where dependant not living with claimant

  42.45

  43.15

  severe disablement allowance where dependent not living with claimant

  25.45

  25.90

  invalid care allowance (carer's allowance from April 2003)

  25.35

  25.80

  Child dependency increases level at which CDIs are affected by earnings of

  claimant's spouse or partner

  for first child

  155.00

  160.00

  for each subsequent child

  20.00

  20.00

  Guardian's Allowance

  11.35

  11.55

  Housing Benefit

  Personal allowances

  single

  16 to 24

  42.70

  43.25

  25 or over

  53.95

  54.65

  lone parent

  under 18

  42.70

  43.25

  18 or over

  53.95

  54.65

  couple

  both under 18

  64.45

  65.30

  one or both 18 or over

  84.65

  85.75

  dependent children

  from birth to September following 16th birthday

  37.00

  38.50

  from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday

  37.80

  38.50

  pensioner (from October 2003)

  single-60 to 64

  102.10

  couple-one or both 60 to 64

  155.80

  single-65 and over

  116.90

  couple-one or both 64 or over

  175.00

  Premiums

  family

  14.75

  15.75

  family (lone parent rate)

  22.20

  22.20

  pensioner

  44.20

  47.45

  single

  44.20

  47.45

  couple

  65.15

  70.05

  pensioner (enhanced)

  single

  44.20

  47.45

  couple

  65.15

  70.05

  pensioner (higher)

  single

  44.20

  47.45

  couple

  65.15

  70.05

  disability

  single

  23.00

  23.30

  couple

  32.80

  33.25

  enhanced disability premium single rate

  11.25

  11.40

  disabled child rate

  11.25

  16.60

  couple rate

  16.25

  16.45

  20WS 21WS

  Weekly rates unless otherwise shown

  Rates

  2002

  2003

  severe disability

  single

  42.25

  42.95

  couple (one qualifies)

  42.25

  42.95

  couple (both qualify)

  84.50

  85.90

  disabled child

  35.50

  41.30

  carer

  24.80

  25.10

  bereavement

  21.55

  22.80

  Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital

  higher rate

  18.90

  19.35

  lower rate

  15.10

  15.50

  Non-dependent deductions, rent rebates and allowances

  aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support or income-based Job Seekers

  Allowance age 18 or over, not in remunerative work or

  —gross income less than £92

  7.40

  7.40

  age 18 or over and in remunerative work

  —gross income: less than £92

  7.40

  7.40

  —gross income: £92 to £ 136.99

  17.00

  17.00

  —gross income: £137 to £176.99

  23.35

  23.35

  —gross income: £177 to £234.99

  38.20

  38.20

  —gross income: £235 to £292.99

  43.50

  43.50

  —gross income: £293 and above

  47.75

  47.75

  Service charges for fuel heating

  9.40

  9.65

  hot water

  1.15

  1.20

  lighting

  0.80

  0.80

  cooking

  1.15

  1.20

  Amount ineligible for meals

  three or more meals a day

  single claimant

  19.25

  19.50

  each person in family aged 16 or over

  19.25

  19.50

  each child under 16

  9.70

  9.85

  less than three meals a day

  single claimant

  12.80

  12.95

  each person in family aged 16 or over

  12.80

  12.95

  each child under 16

  6.45

  6.55

  breakfast only-claimant and each member of family

  2.35

  2.40

  Capital

  upper limit

  16,000.00

  16,000.00

  amount disregarded

  3,000.00

  3,000.00

  upper limit (clmt/ptner 60 or over)

  16,000.00

  16,000.00

  upper limit (PC guarantee) from October 2003

  No limit

  amount disregarded (clmt/ptner 60 or over)

  6,000.00

  6,000.00

  child disregard

  3,000.00

  3,000.00

  upper limit of RC/NH

  16,000.00

  16,000.00

  amount disregarded of RC/NH

  10,000.00

  10,000.00

  Tariff income

  for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded

  and capital upper limit

  Tariff income (clmt/ptner 60 or over) from October 2003

  £1 for every £500 or part thereof betwen amount of capital disregard and capital

  upper limit

  Earnings disregards

  where disability premium awarded

  20.00

  20.00

  various specified employments

  20.00

  20.00

  lone parent

  25.00

  25.00

  where the claimant has a partner

  10.00

  10.00

  single claimant

  5.00

  5.00

  where carer premium awarded

  20.00

  20.00

  childcare charges

  94.50

  94.50

  childcare charges (2 or more children)

  140.00

  140.00

  Other income disregards

  maintenance disregard

  15.00

  15.00

  war disablement pension and war widow's pension

  10.00

  10.00

  certain voluntary and charitable payments

  20.00

  20.00

  student loan

  10.00

  10.00

  student's covenanted income

  5.00

  5.00

  income from boarders:

  disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus

  50% of the balance of the charge

  20.00

  20.00

  30 Hr Adult Allowance in WTC

  11.65

  11.90

  30 Hr Adult Credit in WTC

  11.65

  11.90

  22WS 23WS

  Weekly rates unless otherwise shown

  Rates

  2002

  2003

  Expenses for subtenants

  furnished or unfurnished

  4.00

  4.00

  where heating is included, additional

  9.40

  9.65

  Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments

  ordinary overpayments

  8.10

  8.25

  where claimant convicted of fraud

  10.80

  10.80

  Incapacity Benefit

  Long-term Incapacity Benefit

  70.95

  72.15

  Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under pension age)

  lower rate

  53.50

  54.40

  higher rate

  63.25

  64.35

  Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over pension age)

  lower rate

  68.05

  69.20

  higher rate

  70.95

  72.15

  Increase of Long-term Incap. Benefit for age

  higher rate

  14.90

  15.15

  lower rate

  7.45

  7.60

  Invalidity Allowance (Transitional)

  higher rate

  14.90

  15.15

  middle rate

  9.50

  9.70

  lower rate

  4.75

  4.85

  Income Support

  Personal Allowances

  single

  under 18-usual rate

  32.50

  32.90

  under 18-higher rate payable in specific circumstances

  42.70

  43.25

  18 to 24

  42.70

  43.25

  25 or over

  53.95

  54.65

  lone parent

  under 18-usual rate

  32.50

  32.90

  under 18-higher rate payable in specific circumstances

  42.70

  43.25

  18 or over

  53.95

  54.65

  couple

  both under 18

  32.50

  32.90

  both under 18, one disabled

  42.70

  43.25

  both under 18, with resp. for a child

  64.45

  65.30

  one under 18, one 18 to 24

  42.70

  43.25

  one under 18, one 25 +

  53.95

  54.65

  both 18 or over

  84.65

  85.75

  dependent children

  birth to September following 16th birthday

  37.00

  38.50

  from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday

  37.80

  38.50

  Residental Allowance

  except Greater London

  64.40

  65.50

  Greater London

  71.65

  72.85

  Premiums

  family

  14.75

  15.75

  family (lone parent rate)

  15.90

  15.90

  pensioner

  single

  44.20

  47.45

  couple

  65.15

  70.05

  pensioner (enhanced)

  single

  44.20

  47.45

  couple

  65.15

  70.05

  pensioner (higher)

  single

  44.20

  47.45

  couple

  65.15

  70.05

  disability

  single

  23.00

  23.00

  couple

  32.80

  33.25

  enhanced disability premium single rate

  11.25

  11.40

  disabled child rate

  11.25

  16.60

  couple rate

  16.25

  16.45

  severe disability

  single

  42.25

  42.95

  couple (one qualifies)

  42.25

  42.95

  couple (both qualify)

  84.50

  85.90

  disabled child

  35.50

  41.30

  carer

  24.80

  25.10

  bereavement

  21.55

  22.80

  24WS 25WS

  Weekly rates unless otherwise shown

  Rates

  2002

  2003

  hospital

  higher rate

  18.90

  19.35

  lower rate

  15.10

  15.50

  local authority (Pt III) accommodation

  75.50

  77.45

  of which, Personal Expenses

  16.80

  17.50

  Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in:

  the Polish Home, Ilford Park max amount for accommodation and meals

  385.00

  390.00

  personal expenses for claimant

  17.35

  17.50

  personal expenses for partner

  17.35

  17.50

  personal expenses for dep children

  (a) under 11

  6.35

  6.45

  (b) 11 to 15

  9.30

  9.40

  (c) 16 to 17

  10.75

  10.90

  (d) 18

  15.55

  15.55

  personal expenses allowance for claimant admitted or readmitted on or after

  16.80

  17.50

  1 April 1995

  Housing costs

  deduction for non-dependents aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support

  or income based Job Seekers Allowance aged 18 or over, not in work or

  —gross income less than £92

  7.40

  7.40

  aged 18 or over and in remunerative work:

  —gross income: less than £92

  7.40

  7.40

  —gross income: £92 to £ 136.99

  17.00

  17.00

  —gross income: £ 137 to £ 176.99

  23.35

  23.35

  —gross income: £177 to £234.99

  38.20

  38.20

  —gross income: £235 to £292.99

  43.50

  43.50

  —gross income: £293 and above

  47.75

  47.75

  Deduction for direct payments arrears of housing, fuel and water costs, council

  2.70

  2.75

  tax and fines default, and

  deductions for child maintenance (standard)

  5.40

  5.50

  deductions for child maintenance (lower)

  2.70

  2.75

  Arrears of Community Charge

  court order against claimant

  2.70

  2.75

  court order against couple

  4.25

  4.30

  Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments

  ordinary overpayments

  8.10

  8.25

  where claimant convicted of fraud

  10.80

  10.80

  Reduction in benefit for strikers

  29.00

  29.50

  Capital

  upper limit

  8,000.00

  8,000.00

  amount disregard

  3,000.00

  3,000.00

  upper limited (clmt/ptner 60 or over)

  12,000.00

  12,000.00

  amount disregarded (clmt/ptner 60 or over)

  6,000.00

  6,000.00

  child's limit

  3,000.00

  3,000.00

  upper limit of RC/NH

  16,000.00

  16,000.00

  amount disregarded of RC/NH

  10,000.00

  10,000.00

  Tariff income

  £1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded

  and capital upper limit

  Disregards

  standard earnings

  5.00

  5.00

  couples earnings

  10.00

  10.00

  higher earnings

  20.00

  20.00

  war disablement pension and war widow's pension

  10.00

  10.00

  voluntary and charitable payments

  20.00

  20.00

  student loan

  10.00

  10.00

  student's covenanted income

  5.00

  5.00

  income from boarders:

  disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50% of the balance of the charge

  20.00

  20.00

  Expenses for subtenants

  furnished or unfurnished

  4.00

  4.00

  where heating is included, additional

  9.40

  9.65

  Industrial Death Benefit

  Widow's pension

  higher rate

  75.50

  77.45

  lower rate

  22.65

  23.24

  Widower's pension

  75.50

  77.45

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Pension

  18 and over, or under 18 with dependents

  100%

  114.80

  116.80

  90%

  103.32

  105.12

  26WS 27WS

  Weekly rates unless otherwise shown

  Rates

  2002

  2003

  80%

  91.84

  93.44

  70%

  80.36

  81.76

  60%

  68.88

  70.08

  50%

  57.40

  58.40

  40%

  45.92

  46.72

  30%

  34.44

  35.04

  20%

  22.96

  23.36

  Under 18

  100%

  70.35

  71.55

  90%

  63.32

  64.40

  80%

  56.28

  57.24

  70%

  49.25

  50.09

  60%

  42.21

  42.93

  60%

  42.21

  42.93

  50%

  35.18

  35.78

  40%

  28.14

  28.62

  30%

  21.11

  21.47

  20%

  14.07

  14.31

  Maximum life gratuity (lump sum)

  7,630.00

  7,760.00

  Unemployability Supplement

  70.95

  72.15

  plus where appropriate an increase for early incapacity

  higher rate

  14.90

  15.15

  middle rate

  9.50

  9.70

  lower rate

  4.75

  4.85

  Maximum reduced earnings allowance

  45.92

  46.72

  Maximum retirement allowance

  11.84

  11.68

  Constant attendance allowance

  exceptional rate

  92.00

  93.60

  intermediate rate

  69.00

  70.20

  normal maximum rate

  46.00

  46.80

  part-time rate

  23.00

  23.40

  Exceptionally severe disablement allowance

  46.00

  46.80

  Invalid Care Allowance (Carer's Allowance from April 2003)

  42.45

  43.15

  Jobseekers Allowance

  Contribution based JSA-Pers. rates

  under 18

  32.50

  32.90

  18 to 24

  42.70

  43.25

  25 or over

  53.95

  54.65

  Income-based JSA-Pers. allowances

  Under 18

  32.50

  32.90

  18 to 24

  42.70

  43.25

  25 or over

  53.95

  54.65

  lone parent

  under 18-usual rate

  32.50

  32.90

  under 18-higher rate payable in specific circumstances

  42.70

  43.25

  18 or over

  53.95

  54.65

  couple both under 18

  32.50

  32.90

  both under 18, one disabled

  42.70

  43.25

  both under 18, with responsibility for a child

  64.45

  65.30

  one under 18, one 18 to 24

  42.70

  43.25

  one under 18, one 25 -

  53.95

  54.65

  both 18 or over

  84.65

  85.75

  dependent children from birth to September following 16th birthday

  37.00

  38.50

  from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday

  37.80

  38.50

  Residental Alllowance except Greater Londen

  64.40

  65.50

  Greater London

  71.65

  72.85

  28WS 29WS

  Weekly rates unless otherwise shown

  Rates

  2002

  2003

  Premiums

  family

  14.75

  15.75

  family (lone parent rate)

  15.90

  15.90

  pensioner

  single

  44.20

  47.45

  couple

  65.15

  70.05

  pensioner (enhanced)

  single

  44.20

  47.45

  couple

  65.15

  70.05

  pensioner (higher)

  single

  44.20

  47.45

  couple

  65.15

  70.05

  disability

  single

  23.00

  23.30

  couple

  32.80

  33.25

  enhanced disability premium single rate

  11.25

  11.40

  disability child rate

  11.25

  16.60

  couple rate

  16.25

  16.45

  severe disability

  single

  42.25

  42.95

  couple (one qualifies)

  42.25

  42.95

  couple (both qualify)

  84.50

  85.90

  disabled child

  35.50

  41.30

  carer

  24.80

  25.10

  bereavement

  21.55

  22.80

  hospital

  higher rate

  18.90

  19.35

  lower rate

  15.10

  15.50

  local authority (Pt III)

  75.50

  77.45

  accommodation of which, Personal Expenses

  16.80

  17.50

  Housing costs deduction for non-dependents aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support or income based Job Seekers Allowance aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work or:

  —gross income less than £92 aged 18 or over and in remunerative work

  7.40

  7.40

  —gross income: less than £92

  7.40

  7.40

  —gross income: £92 to £136.99

  17.00

  17.00

  —gross income: £137 to £176.99

  23.35

  23.35

  —gross income: £177 to £234.99

  38.20

  38.20

  —gross income: £235 to £292.99

  43.50

  43.50

  —gross income: £293 and above

  47.75

  47.75

  Deductions for direct payments

  Deductions from JSA (IB) arrears of housing, fuel and water costs, council tax and

  2.70

  2.75

  fines default, and

  Deductions for Child Maintenance

  deductions for child maintenance (standard)

  5.40

  5.50

  deductions for child maintenance (lower)

  2.70

  2.75

  Arrears of Community Charge

  court order against claimant

  2.70

  2.75

  court order against couple

  4.25

  4.30

  deductions from JSA (Cont.)

  Arrears of Community Charge, Council Tax, fines and overpayment recovery

  Age 16 to 17

  10.83

  10.96

  Age 18 to 24

  14.23

  14.41

  Age 25 +

  17.98

  18.21

  30WS 31WS

  Weekly rates unless otherwise shown

  Rates

  2002

  2003

  Maximum deduction for arrears of Child Support Maintenance

  Age 16 to 17

  10.83

  10.96

  Age 18 to 24

  14.23

  14.41

  Age 25 +

  17.93

  18.21

  Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments in JSA(ib)

  ordinary overpayments

  8.10

  8.25

  where claimant convicted of fraud

  10.80

  10.80

  Reduction in benefit for strikers

  29.00

  29.50

  Capital

  upper limit

  8,000.00

  8,000.00

  amount disregarded

  3,000.00

  3,000.00

  child's limit

  3,000.00

  3,000.00

  upper limit of RC/NH

  16,000.00

  16,000.00

  amount disregarded of RC/NH

  10,000.00

  10,000.00

  upper limit (claimant/partner 60 or over)

  12,000.00

  12,000.00

  amount disregarded (claimant/or partner 60 or over)

  6,000.00

  6,000.00

  Tariff income

  £1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded

  and capital upper limit

  Disregards

  standard earnings

  5.00

  5.00

  couples earnings

  10.00

  10.00

  higher earnings

  20.00

  20.00

  war disablement pension and war widow's pension

  10.00

  10.00

  voluntary and charitable payments

  20.00

  20.00

  student loan

  10.00

  10.00

  student's convenanted income

  5.00

  5.00

  income from boarders: disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50 per cent, of the

  20.00

  20.00

  balance of the charge

  Expenses for subtenants

  furnished or unfurnished

  4.00

  4.00

  where heating is included, additional

  9.40

  9.65

  Maternity Allowance

  Standard rate

  75.00

  100.00

  MA threshold

  30.00

  30.00

  Pension Credit (from October 2003)

  Standard minimum guarantee

  single

  102.10

  couple

  155.80

  Additional amount for severe disability

  single

  42.95

  couple (one qualifies)

  42.95

  couple (both qualifies)

  85.90

  Additional amount for carer

  25.10

  Savings credit theshold

  single

  77.45

  couple

  123.80

  Capital

  Amount disregard

  6,000.00

  Amount disregard-care homes

  10,000.00

  Deemed income £1 for each complete £500 or part thereof in excess of above amounts

  Housing costs

  Deduction for non-dependents:

  aged 18 or over, not in work or in work and in receipt of Pension Credit

  7.40

  aged 18 or over and in work:

  —gross income: less than £92

  7.40

  —gross income: £92 to £136.99

  17.00

  —gross income: £137 to £176.99

  23.35

  32WS 33WS

  Weekly rates unless otherwise shown

  Rates

  2002

  2003

  —gross income: £177 to £234.99

  38.20

  —gross income: £235 to £292.99

  43.50

  —gross income: £293 and above

  47.75

  Amount for claimant and first spouse in polygamous marriage

  155.80

  Additional amount for additional spouse

  53.70

  Disregards

  Standard earnings

  5.00

  Couples earnings

  10.00

  Higher earnings

  20.00

  War disablement pension and War widows pension

  10.00

  Widowed Parent's Allowance

  10.00

  Income from Subtenants

  20.00

  Income from boarders

  20.00

  (disregard the fixed amount (£20)

  plus

  50 per cent, of the balance of the charge)

  Deduction for direct payments arrears of housing, fuel, water costs, council tax and

  2.75

  fines default

  Arrears of Community Charge court order against claimant

  2.75

  court order against couple

  4.30

  Maximum rates of recovery of overpayments

  ordinary overpayments

  8.25

  where claimant convicted of fraud

  10.80

  Pneumoconiosis, Byssinosis, and Miscellaneous Diseases Scheme and the Workmen's

  Compensation (Supplementation)

  Total disablement allowance and major incapacity allowance (maximum)

  114.80

  116.80

  Partial disablement allowance

  42.45

  43.15

  Unemployability supplement

  70.95

  72.15

  plus where appropriate increases for early incapacity

  higher rate

  14.90

  15.15

  middle rate

  9.50

  9.70

  lower rate

  4.75

  4.85

  Constant attendance allowance

  exceptional rate

  92.00

  93.60

  intermediate rate

  69.00

  70.20

  normal maximum rate

  46.00

  46.80

  part-time rate

  23.00

  23.40

  Exceptionally severe disablement allowance

  46.00

  46.80

  Lesser incapacity allowance

  maximum rate of allowance

  42.45

  43.15

  based on loss of earnings over

  56.25

  57.20

  Retirement Pension

  Category A or B

  75.50

  77.45

  Category B (lower)-husband's insurance

  45.20

  46.35

  Category C or D-non-contributory

  45.20

  46.35

  Category C (lower)-non-contributory

  27.00

  27.70

  Additional pension

  Increase by:

  1.7 percent.

  Increments to:

  Increase by:

  Basic pension

  6.6 per cent.

  Additional pension

  1.7 per cent.

  Contracted out deductions (CODs) (Pre April 1988 earnings)

  1.7 per cent.

  Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB)

  1.7 percent.

  Increments to CODs (April 1988 to April 1997 earnings)

  Nil

  (3.0 per cent, paid by schemes)

  34WS 35WS

  Weekly rates unless otherwise shown

  Rates

  2002

  2003

  Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit)

  0.0921

  0.0937

  Graduated Retirement Benefit (Inherited)

  Increase by:

  1.7 percent.

  Addition at age 80

  0.25

  0.25

  Severe Disablement Allowance

  Basic rate

  42.85

  43.60

  Age-related addition (from December 1990)

  Higher rate

  14.90

  15.15

  Middle rate

  9.50

  9.70

  Lower rate

  4.75

  4.85

  Statutory Adoption Pay

  Earnings threshold

  77.00

  Rate

  100.00

  Statutory Maternity Pay

  Earnings threshold

  75.00

  77.00

  Standard rate

  75.00

  100.00

  Statutory Paternity Pay

  Earnings threshold

  77.00

  Rate

  100.00

  Statutory Sick Pay

  Earnings threshold

  75.00

  77.00

  Standard rate

  63.25

  64.35

  Widow's Benefit

  Widowed Mother's Allowance

  75.50

  77.45

  Widow's Pension Standard Rate

  75.50

  77.45

  Age-related

  Age 54 (49)

  70.22

  72.03

  53 (48)

  64.93

  66.61

  52 (47)

  59.65

  61.19

  51 (46)

  54.36

  55.76

  50 (45)

  49.08

  50.34

  49(44)

  43.79

  44.92

  48 (43)

  38.51

  39.50

  47 (42)

  33.22

  34.08

  46(41)

  27.94

  28.66

  45 (40)

  22.65

  23.24

  Note: For deaths occurring before 11 April 1988 refer to age-points shown in brackets.

  Bereavement Benefit

  Bereavement payment (lump sum)

  2,000.00

  2,000.00

  Widowed parent's allowance

  75.50

  77.45

  Bereavement Allowance

  Standard rate

  75.50

  77.45

  age-related

  age 54

  70.22

  72.03

  53

  64.93

  66.61

  52

  59.65

  61.19

  51

  54.36

  55.76

  50

  49.08

  50.34

  49

  43.79

  44.92

  48

  38.51

  39.50

  47

  33.22

  34.08

  46

  27.94

  28.66

  45

  22.65

  23.24

  36WS