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Departmental Report
Mr. Simon Hughes:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will update table 2.1 of his departmental report. [18626]
2 Dec 1997 : Column: 185
Mr. Milburn:
Table 2.1 will be updated in the next Department of Health Departmental Report. Such information as is currently available will be placed in the Library.
Independent Tribunal Service (Wales)
Mr. Alan Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the current waiting period for a hearing with the independent tribunal service in Wales; what plans she has to reduce waiting times; and if she will make a statement. [13765]
Mr. Keith Bradley: Appeals to Social Security Tribunals in Wales which were cleared in the first quarter of this year took on average 28.7 weeks to clear in the first quarter of this year took an average 28.7 weeks to clear. The comparable figure for Great Britain is 29.9 weeks.
We are determined to reduce the current delays and complexity in the appeals system. On 9 July we introduced the Social Security Bill, which paves the way for the creation of an active modern Social Security system. The Bill includes several measures which will enable us to provide a quicker, simpler and more efficient appeals service for customers.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will take personal responsibility for the administration of the appeals system, set and publish demanding targets to shorten the time it takes for appeals to be heard and report on the results.
Mr. Burstow:
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) pursuant to her answer of 10 November 1997, Official Report, column 456, what assessment she has made of partial capacity benefit as a means of assisting disabled people to gain employment; [16359]
Mr. Denham:
The Government's view is that work is the best form of welfare. Many people with disabilities or long-term health problems want to do some work and the aim of the Welfare to Work programme for sick and disabled people is to allow them to do so. We wish to develop ways to give sick and disabled people the advice, help and support they need to achieve their aspirations and to move towards financial independence.
As part of our welfare to work proposals, which will improve opportunities for sick and disabled people, we are also considering what changes might be made to the benefit system to improve work incentives and reduce disincentives.
Mr. Duncan Smith:
To ask the Secretary of State for Social (1) what measures she proposes to take account of
2 Dec 1997 : Column: 186
the gap between recent rises in benefits and the current rate of inflation; and what will be the source of any increase in funding; [16725]
Mr. Field:
I refer to the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 5 November 1997, Official Report, column 247.
Mr. Truswell:
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will set out the new rates of benefit proposed from April 1998. [19161]
Ms Harman:
I have reviewed Social Security benefits in accordance with section 150 of the Administration Act 1992. My proposals for the revised rates of benefit are set out in the schedule. The new rates will take effect in week beginning 6 April 1998.
The statutory instruments to implement the changes will be laid before both Houses for debate in the new year.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland proposes to introduce similar changes for Northern Ireland.
National Insurance benefits will be uprated in line with the annual increase in the Retail Prices Index (RPI) up to September, which this year is 3.6 per cent.
Jobseeker's allowance and income-related benefits will generally rise by 2.4 per cent. in line with the increase in the Rossi index. The Rossi index is RPI less certain housing costs.
The total cost of uprating for 1998-99 will be £2.45 billion.
The key points of my review are as follows:
2 Dec 1997 : Column: 187
(2) pursuant to her oral Answer to the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood) of 17 November 1997, Official Report, columns 2-3, what assessment her Department has made of the role which a partial capacity benefit could play in the New Deal for disabled people. [17540]
(2) what will be the impact on Government spending plans of the increase in her Department's expenditure arising from increases in inflation since 1 May. [16729]
Retirement pension
The basic rate of retirement pension will be increased by £2.25 to £64.70 for a single person and by £3.60 to £103.40 for couples.
Child benefit
The rate for the eldest child will be increased to £11.45. The rate for each subsequent child is increased to £9.30.
Income support
The couple rate of income support for those aged 80 and over will increase by £2.75 to £117.90.
War pensions
War pensions will be increased in line with the RPI.
Earnings top-up
Benefit rates for the pilot Earnings top-up scheme will be increased by the Rossi index.
Benefits for lone parents
The higher rate for lone parents in child benefit will be £17.10, and the higher rates of family premium in income support and jobseeker's allowance will be £15.75 and in housing benefit and council tax benefit will be £22.05.
Non-dependent deductions
New rates of deduction in respect of non-dependents living in the household are shown in the schedule. The rate of deduction for housing benefit, income support and income based jobseeker's allowance in respect of those not in work, or with gross income below £78, remains unchanged.
| Old rates 1997 | New rates 1998 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | |||
| higher rate | 49.50 | 51.30 | |
| lower rate | 33.10 | 34.30 | |
| Child Benefit | |||
| --only, elder or eldest for whom child benefit is payable (couple) | 11.05 | 11.45 | |
| --only, elder or eldest for whom child benefit is payable (lone parent) | 17.10 | 17.10 | |
| --each subsequent child | 9.00 | 9.30 | |
| Child's Special Allowance | |||
| see note on Child Dependency Increase | 11.20 | 11.30 | |
| Council Tax Benefit | |||
| Personal allowances | |||
| single | |||
| 18 to 24 | 38.90 | 39.85 | |
| 25 or over | 49.15 | 50.35 | |
| lone parent--18 or over | 49.15 | 50.35 | |
| couple--one or both over 18 | 77.15 | 79.00 | |
| Dependent Children | |||
| birth to September following 11th birthday | 16.90 | 17.30 | |
| from September following 11th birthday to September following 16th birthday | 24.75 | 25.35 | |
| from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday | 29.60 | 30.30 | |
| Premiums | |||
| family | 10.80 | 11.05 | |
| family (lone parent rate) | 22.05 | 22.05 | |
| pensioner | |||
| single | 19.65 | 20.10 | |
| couple | 29.65 | 30.35 | |
| pensioner (enhanced) | |||
| single | 21.85 | 22.35 | |
| couple | 32.75 | 33.55 | |
| pensioner (higher) | |||
| single | 26.55 | 27.20 | |
| couple | 38.00 | 38.90 | |
| disability | |||
| single | 20.95 | 21.45 | |
| couple | 29.90 | 30.60 | |
| severe disability | |||
| single | 37.15 | 38.50 | |
| couple (one qualifies) | 37.15 | 38.50 | |
| couple (both qualify) | 74.30 | 77.00 | |
| disabled child | 20.95 | 21.45 | |
| carer | 13.35 | 13.65 | |
| Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital | |||
| higher rate | 15.60 | 16.20 | |
| lower rate | 12.50 | 12.95 | |
| Non-dependant deductions aged 18 or over and in remunerative work | |||
| --gross income: £250 or more | 4.00 | 6.00 | |
| --gross income: £200-£249.99 | 3.50 | 5.00 | |
| --gross income: £116-£199.99 | 3.00 | 4.00 | |
| --gross income less than £116 | 1.50 | 2.00 | |
| others, aged 18 or over | 1.50 | 2.00 | |
| Alternative maximum Council Tax Benefit | |||
| second adult on Income Support or income based Jobseeker's Allowance | 25 per cent. of Council Tax | ||
| second adult's gross income: | |||
| --under £116 | 15 per cent. of Council Tax | ||
| --£116 to £151.99 | 7.5 per cent. of Council Tax | ||
| Capital | |||
| upper limit | 16,000.00 | 16,000.00 | |
| amount disregarded | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | |
| child's limit | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | |
| upper limit for permanent resident of RC/NH | 16,000.00 | 16,000.00 | |
| amount disregarded for permanent resident 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 | |||
| Earnings disregards | |||
| where disability premium awarded | 15.00 | 15.00 | |
| various specified employments | 15.00 | 15.00 | |
| 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 | 15.00 | 15.00 | |
| childcare charges | 60.00 | 60.00 | |
| 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 per cent. of the balance of the charge | 20.00 | 20.00 | |
| 30 Hour Adult Allowance in DWA | 10.55 | 10.80 | |
| 30 Hour Adult Credit in FC | 10.55 | 10.80 | |
| Expenses for subtenants | |||
| furnished or unfurnished | 4.00 | 4.00 | |
| where heating is included, additional | 9.25 | 9.25 | |
| Dependency Increases | |||
| Adult Dependency Increases | |||
| For spouse or person looking after children, with; | |||
| retirement pension on own insurance, long term incapacity benefit, unemployability supplement | 37.35 | 38.70 | |
| severe disablement allowance | 22.40 | 23.20 | |
| invalid care allowance | 22.35 | 23.15 | |
| short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary over pension age | 35.90 | 37.20 | |
| maternity allowance/short-term incapacity benefit | 29.15 | 30.20 | |
| Child Dependency Increases, with; short-term incapacity benefit at the higher rate and long-term incapacity benefit, invalid care allowance severe disability allowance, higher rate industrial death benefit, unemployability supplement and short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary over pension age | 11.20 | 11.30 | |
| The Overlapping Benefits Regulations provide for the rate of child dependency increases, guardian's allowance and child special allowance to be adjusted where the increase or allowance is payable for the eldest eligible child for whom child benefit is also payable. The weekly rate of the increase or allowance is reduced by the differential (less the 75p derived from the October 1991 increase in child benefit) between the rate of child benefit payable for the oldest eligible child and that payable for a subsequent child. | |||
| Disability Living Allowance | |||
| Care Component | |||
| Highest | 49.50 | 51.30 | |
| Middle | 33.10 | 34.30 | |
| Lowest | 13.15 | 13.60 | |
| Mobility Component | |||
| Higher | 34.60 | 35.85 | |
| Lower | 13.15 | 13.60 | |
| Disability Working Allowance | |||
| Adult allowance | |||
| Single people | 49.55 | 50.75 | |
| Couples/Lone Parents | 77.55 | 79.40 | |
| 30 hours Allowance | 10.55 | 10.80 | |
| Child allowance | |||
| from birth | 12.05 | 12.35 | |
| from September following 11th birthday | 19.95 | 20.45 | |
| from September following 16th birthday | 24.80 | 25.40 | |
| Child allowance for children with protected rates | |||
| age 11 before 7th October 1997 | 19.95 | 20.45 | |
| age 16 before 7th October 1997 | 24.80 | 25.40 | |
| age 18 before 7th October 1997 | 34.70 | 35.55 | |
| Applicable amount (i.e. taper threshold) | |||
| Single People | 57.85 | 59.25 | |
| Couples/Lone Parents | 77.15 | 79.00 | |
| Disabled Child's Allowance | 20.95 | 21.45 | |
| Capital | |||
| upper limit | 16,000.00 | 16,000.00 | |
| amount disregarded | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | |
| child's limit | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | |
| Tariff income | |||
| £1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit | |||
| 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 per cent. of the balance of the charge | 20.00 | 20.00 | |
| childcare charges | 60.00 | 60.00 | |
| Expenses for subtenants | |||
| furnished or unfurnished | 4.00 | 4.00 | |
| where heating is included, additional | 9.25 | 9.25 | |
| Earnings Rules | |||
| Invalid Care Allowance | 50.00 | 50.00 | |
| Therapeutic earnings limit | 46.50 | 48.00 | |
| Industrial injuries unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount) | 2,418.00 | 2,496.00 | |
| War pensioners' unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount) | 2,418.00 | 2,496.00 | |
| Adult dependency increases with | |||
| short-term incapacity benefit where claimant is (a) under pension age | 29.15 | 30.20 | |
| (b) over pension age | 35.90 | 37.20 | |
| maternity allowance | 29.15 | 30.20 | |
| retirement pension, long-term incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, unemployability supplement where dependent | |||
| (a) is living with claimant | 49.15 | 50.35 | |
| (b) still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule | 45.09 | 45.09 | |
| retirement pension, long-term incapacity benefit and unemployability supplement where dependant not living with claimant | 37.35 | 38.70 | |
| severe disablement allowance where dependant not living with claimant | 22.40 | 23.20 | |
| invalid care allowance | 22.35 | 23.15 | |
| Child dependency increases | |||
| level at which CDIs are affected by earnings of claimant's spouse or partner | |||
| for first child | 135.00 | 140.00 | |
| for each subsequent child | 17.00 | 18.00 | |
| Family Credit | |||
| Adult credit | 47.65 | 48.80 | |
| 30 hours credit | 10.55 | 10.80 | |
| Child credits | |||
| from birth | 12.05 | 12.35 | |
| from September following 11th birthday | 19.95 | 20.45 | |
| from September following 16th birthday | 24.80 | 25.40 | |
| Child credits for children with protected rates | |||
| age 11 before 7th October 1997 | 19.95 | 20.45 | |
| age 16 before 7th October 1997 | 24.80 | 25.40 | |
| age 18 before 7th October 1997 | 34.70 | 35.55 | |
| Applicable amount (i.e: threshold) | 77.15 | 79.00 | |
| 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 | |
| Assumed income from capital | |||
| £1 for every £250 or part of £250 between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit | |||
| 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 per cent. of the balance of the charge | 20.00 | 20.00 | |
| childcare charges | 60.00 | 60.00 | |
| Expenses for subtenants | |||
| furnished or unfurnished | 4.00 | 4.00 | |
| where heating is included, additional | 9.25 | 9.25 | |
| Guardian's Allowance | 11.20 | 11.30 | |
| see note on Child Dependency Increase | |||
| Hospital Downrating | |||
| 20 per cent. rate | 12.50 | 12.95 | |
| 40 per cent. rate | 25.00 | 25.90 | |
| Housing benefit | |||
| Personal allowances | |||
| single | |||
| 16 to 24 | 38.90 | 39.85 | |
| 25 or over | 49.15 | 50.35 | |
| lone parent | |||
| under 18 | 38.90 | 39.85 | |
| 18 or over | 49.15 | 50.35 | |
| couple | |||
| both under 18 | 58.70 | 60.10 | |
| one or both over 18 | 77.15 | 79.00 | |
| Dependent children | |||
| birth to September following 11th birthday | 16.90 | 17.30 | |
| from September following 11th birthday to September following 16th birthday | 24.75 | 25.35 | |
| from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday | 29.60 | 30.30 | |
| dependent children with protected rates age 18 before 1st/7th April 1997 | 38.90 | 39.85 | |
| Premiums | |||
| family | 10.80 | 11.05 | |
| family (lone parent rate) | 22.05 | 22.05 | |
| pensioner | |||
| single | 19.65 | 20.10 | |
| couple | 29.65 | 30.35 | |
| pensioner (enhanced) | |||
| single | 21.85 | 22.35 | |
| couple | 32.75 | 33.55 | |
| pensioner (higher) | |||
| single | 26.55 | 27.20 | |
| couple | 38.00 | 38.90 | |
| disability | |||
| single | 20.95 | 21.45 | |
| couple | 29.90 | 30.60 | |
| severe disability | |||
| single | 37.15 | 38.50 | |
| couple (one qualifies) | 37.15 | 38.50 | |
| couple (both qualify) | 74.30 | 77.00 | |
| disabled child | 20.95 | 21.45 | |
| carer | 13.35 | 13.65 | |
| Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital | |||
| higher rate | 15.60 | 16.20 | |
| lower rate | 12.50 | 12.95 | |
| Non-dependant deductions rent rebates and allowances | |||
| aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support or income based Job Seeker's Allowance | |||
| aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work or | |||
| --gross income less than £78 | 7.00 | 7.00 | |
| aged 18 or over and in remunerative work | |||
| --gross income: less than £78 | 7.00 | 7.00 | |
| --gross income: £78 to £115.99 | 13.00 | 16.00 | |
| --gross income: £116 to £151.99 | 17.00 | 22.00 | |
| --gross income: £152 to £199.99 | 33.00 | 36.00 | |
| --gross income: £200.00 to £249.99 | 36.00 | 41.00 | |
| --gross income: £250.00 and above | 39.00 | 45.00 | |
| Service charges for fuel | |||
| heating | 9.25 | 9.25 | |
| hot water | 1.15 | 1.15 | |
| lighting | 0.80 | 0.80 | |
| cooking | 1.15 | 1.15 | |
| Amount ineligible for meals | |||
| three or more meals a day | |||
| single claimant | 17.55 | 17.95 | |
| each person in family aged 16 or over | 17.55 | 17.95 | |
| each child under 16 | 8.85 | 9.05 | |
| less than three meals a day | |||
| single claimant | 11.65 | 11.95 | |
| each person in family aged 16 or over | 11.65 | 11.95 | |
| each child under 16 | 5.85 | 6.00 | |
| breakfast only--claimant and each member of family | 2.10 | 2.15 | |
| Capital | |||
| upper limit | 16,000.00 | 16,000.00 | |
| amount disregarded | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | |
| child's limit | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | |
| upper limit for permanent resident of RC/NH | 16,000.00 | 16,000.00 | |
| amount disregarded for permanent resident 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 | |||
| Earnings disregards | |||
| where disability premium awarded | 15.00 | 15.00 | |
| various specified employments | 15.00 | 15.00 | |
| 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 | 15.00 | 15.00 | |
| childcare charges | 60.00 | 60.00 | |
| 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 per cent. of the balance of the charge | 20.00 | 20.00 | |
| 30 hour. adult allowance in DWA | 10.55 | 10.80 | |
| 30 hour. adult credit in FC | 10.55 | 10.80 | |
| Expenses for subtenants | |||
| furnished or unfurnished | 4.00 | 4.00 | |
| where heating is included, additional | 9.25 | 9.25 | |
| Incapacity Benefit | |||
| Long-term incapacity benefit | 62.45 | 64.70 | |
| Short-term incapacity benefit (under pension age) | |||
| lower rate | 47.10 | 48.80 | |
| higher rate | 55.70 | 57.70 | |
| Short-term incapacity benefit (over pension age) | |||
| lower & higher rate | 59.90 | 62.05 | |
| Increase of long-term incapacity benefit for age | |||
| higher rate | 13.15 | 13.60 | |
| lower rate | 6.60 | 6.80 | |
| Invalidity Allowance (Transitional) | |||
| higher rate | 13.15 | 13.60 | |
| middle rate | 8.30 | 8.60 | |
| lower rate | 4.15 | 4.30 | |
| Income Support | |||
| Personal Allowances | |||
| single | |||
| under 18--usual rate | 29.60 | 30.30 | |
| under 18-higher rate payable in specific circumstances | 38.90 | 39.85 | |
| 18 to 24 | 38.90 | 39.85 | |
| 25 or over | 49.15 | 50.35 | |
| lone parent | |||
| under 18--usual rate | 29.60 | 30.30 | |
| under 18--higher rate payable in specific circumstances | 38.90 | 39.85 | |
| 18 or over | 49.15 | 50.35 | |
| couple | |||
| both under 18 | 58.70 | 60.10 | |
| one or both 18 or over | 77.15 | 79.00 | |
| dependent children | |||
| birth to September following 11th birthday | 16.90 | 17.30 | |
| from September following 11th birthday to September following 16th birthday | 24.75 | 25.35 | |
| from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday | 29.60 | 30.30 | |
| Residential Allowance | |||
| except Greater London | 56.00 | 57.50 | |
| Greater London | 62.00 | 64.00 | |
| Premiums | |||
| family | 10.80 | 11.05 | |
| family (lone parent rate) | 15.75 | 15.75 | |
| pensioner | |||
| single | 19.65 | 20.10 | |
| couple | 29.65 | 30.35 | |
| pensioner (enhanced) | |||
| single | 21.85 | 22.35 | |
| couple | 32.75 | 33.55 | |
| pensioner (higher) | |||
| single | 26.55 | 27.20 | |
| couple | 38.00 | 38.90 | |
| disability | |||
| single | 20.95 | 21.45 | |
| couple | 29.90 | 30.60 | |
| severe disability | |||
| single | 37.15 | 38.50 | |
| couple (one qualifies) | 37.15 | 38.50 | |
| couple (both qualify) | 74.30 | 77.00 | |
| disabled child | 20.95 | 21.45 | |
| carer | 13.35 | 13.65 | |
| Maximum amounts for accommodation and meals in | |||
| residential care homes | |||
| old age | 208.00 | 213.00 | |
| very dependent elderly | 240.00 | 247.00 | |
| mental disorder (not handicap) | 220.00 | 225.00 | |
| drug/alcohol dependence | 220.00 | 225.00 | |
| mental handicap | 250.00 | 257.00 | |
| physical disablement | |||
| (a) (under pension age) | 285.00 | 292.00 | |
| (b) (over pension age) | 208.00 | 213.00 | |
| others | 208.00 | 213.00 | |
| maximum Greater London increase | 41.00 | 44.00 | |
| nursing homes | |||
| mental disorder (not handicap) | 312.00 | 319.00 | |
| drug/alcohol dependence | 312.00 | 319.00 | |
| mental handicap | 318.00 | 325.00 | |
| terminal illness | 311.00 | 318.00 | |
| physical disablement | |||
| (a) (under pension age) | 352.00 | 359.00 | |
| (b) (over pension age) | 311.00 | 318.00 | |
| others (including elderly) | 311.00 | 318.00 | |
| maximum Greater London increase | 46.00 | 49.00 | |
| Amounts for meals where these cannot be purchased within the accommodation | |||
| (Daily Rate) | |||
| breakfast | 1.10 | 1.10 | |
| midday meal | 1.55 | 1.55 | |
| evening meal | 1.55 | 1.55 | |
| Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in private and voluntary residential care and nursing homes | |||
| personal expenses | 14.10 | 14.45 | |
| dependent children | |||
| (a) under 11 | 5.80 | 5.95 | |
| (b) 11 to 15 | 8.45 | 8.65 | |
| (c) 16 to 17 | 9.80 | 10.05 | |
| (d) age 18 | 14.10 | 14.45 | |
| hospital | |||
| higher rate | 15.60 | 16.20 | |
| lower rate | 12.50 | 12.95 | |
| local authority (Pt III) accommodation | 62.45 | 64.70 | |
| of which, personal expenses | 14.10 | 14.45 | |
| Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in: | |||
| the Polish home Ilford Park | |||
| maximum amount for accommodation and meals | 352.00 | 359.00 | |
| personal expenses for claimant | 17.35 | 17.35 | |
| personal expenses for partner | 17.35 | 17.35 | |
| personal expenses for dependent children | |||
| (a) under 11 | 5.80 | 5.95 | |
| (b) 11 to 15 | 8.45 | 8.65 | |
| (c) 16 to 17 | 9.80 | 10.05 | |
| (d) 18 | 15.55 | 15.55 | |
| Housing costs | |||
| deduction for non-dependants: | |||
| aged 25 and over, in receipt of income support | |||
| aged 18 or over, not in work or | |||
| --gross income less than £78 | 7.00 | 7.00 | |
| aged 18 or over and in remunerative work: | |||
| --gross income: £78 to £115.99 | 13.00 | 16.00 | |
| --gross income: £116 to £151.99 | 17.00 | 22.00 | |
| --gross income: £152 to £199.99 | 33.00 | 36.00 | |
| --gross income: £200.00 to £249.99 | 33.00 | 41.00 | |
| --gross income: £250.00 and above | 33.00 | 45.00 | |
| Deduction for direct payments | |||
| arrears of housing, fuel and water costs | |||
| council tax and fines default, and | 2.50 | 2.55 | |
| deductions for child maintenance (standard) | 5.00 | 5.10 | |
| deductions for child maintenance (lower) | 2.50 | 2.55 | |
| Arrears of Community Charge | |||
| court order against claimant | 2.50 | 2.55 | |
| court order against couple | 3.90 | 3.95 | |
| Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments | |||
| ordinary overpayments | 7.50 | 7.65 | |
| where claimant convicted of fraud | 10.00 | 10.00 | |
| Reduction in benefit for strikers | 26.50 | 27.00 | |
| 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 for permanent resident of RC/NH | 16,000.00 | 16,000.00 | |
| amount disregarded for permanent resident 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 | 15.00 | 15.00 | |
| 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 per cent. 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 | 9.25 | 9.25 | |
| Industrial Death Benefit | |||
| Widow's pension | |||
| higher rate | 62.45 | 64.70 | |
| lower rate | 18.74 | 19.41 | |
| Industrial Disablement Pension | |||
| 18 and over, or under 18 with dependants | |||
| 100 per cent. | 101.10 | 104.70 | |
| 90 per cent. | 90.99 | 94.23 | |
| 80 per cent. | 80.88 | 83.76 | |
| 70 per cent. | 70.77 | 73.29 | |
| 60 per cent. | 60.66 | 62.82 | |
| 50 per cent. | 50.55 | 52.35 | |
| 40 per cent. | 40.44 | 41.88 | |
| 30 per cent. | 30.33 | 31.41 | |
| 20 per cent. | 20.22 | 20.94 | |
| Under 18 | |||
| 100 per cent. | 61.90 | 64.15 | |
| 90 per cent. | 55.71 | 57.74 | |
| 80 per cent. | 49.52 | 51.32 | |
| 70 per cent. | 43.33 | 44.91 | |
| 60 per cent. | 37.14 | 38.49 | |
| 50 per cent. | 30.95 | 32.08 | |
| 40 per cent. | 24.76 | 25.66 | |
| 30 per cent. | 18.57 | 19.25 | |
| 20 per cent. | 12.38 | 12.83 | |
| Maximum life gratuity (lump sum) | 6,720.00 | 6,960.00 | |
| Unemployability Supplement | 62.45 | 64.70 | |
| plus where appropriate an increase for early incapacity | |||
| higher rate | 13.15 | 13.60 | |
| middle rate | 8.30 | 8.60 | |
| lower rate | 4.15 | 4.30 | |
| Maximum reduced earnings allowance | 40.44 | 41.88 | |
| Maximum retirement allowance | 10.11 | 10.47 | |
| Constant attendance allowance | |||
| exceptional rate | 81.00 | 84.00 | |
| intermediate rate | 60.75 | 63.00 | |
| normal maximum rate | 40.50 | 42.00 | |
| part-time rate | 20.25 | 21.00 | |
| Exceptionally severe disablement allowance | 40.50 | 42.00 | |
| Invalid Care Allowance | 37.35 | 38.70 | |
| Jobseekers Allowance | |||
| Contribution based JSA--rates | |||
| under 18 | 29.60 | 30.30 | |
| 18 to 24 | 38.90 | 39.85 | |
| 25 or over | 49.15 | 50.35 | |
| Income-based JSA--personal allowances | |||
| under 18 | 29.60 | 30.30 | |
| 18 to 24 | 38.90 | 39.85 | |
| 25 or over | 49.15 | 50.35 | |
| lone parent | |||
| under 18--usual rate | 29.60 | 30.30 | |
| under 18--higher rate payable in specific circumstances | 38.90 | 39.85 | |
| 18 or over | 49.15 | 50.35 | |
| couple | |||
| both under 18 | 29.60 | 30.30 | |
| both under 18, one disabled | 38.90 | 39.85 | |
| both under 18, with responsibility for a child | 58.70 | 60.10 | |
| one under 18, one 18-24 | 38.90 | 39.85 | |
| one under 18, one 25+ | 49.15 | 50.35 | |
| both 18 or over | 77.15 | 79.00 | |
| dependent children | |||
| birth to September following 11th birthday | 16.90 | 17.30 | |
| from September following 11th birthday to September following 16th birthday | 24.75 | 25.35 | |
| from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday | 29.60 | 30.30 | |
| Residential Allowance | |||
| except Greater London | 56.00 | 57.50 | |
| Greater London | 62.00 | 64.00 | |
| Premiums | |||
| family | 10.80 | 11.05 | |
| family (lone parent rate) | 15.75 | 15.75 | |
| pensioner | |||
| single | 19.65 | 20.10 | |
| couple | 29.65 | 30.35 | |
| pensioner (enhanced) | |||
| couple | 32.75 | 33.55 | |
| pensioner (higher) | |||
| single | 26.55 | 27.20 | |
| couple | 38.00 | 38.90 | |
| disability | |||
| single | 20.95 | 21.45 | |
| couple | 29.90 | 30.60 | |
| severe disability | |||
| single | 37.15 | 38.50 | |
| couple (one qualifies) | 37.15 | 38.50 | |
| couple (both qualify) | 74.30 | 77.00 | |
| disabled child | 20.95 | 21.45 | |
| carer | 13.35 | 13.65 | |
| Maximum amounts for accommodation and meals in | |||
| residential care homes | |||
| mental disorder (not handicap) | 220.00 | 225.00 | |
| drug/alcohol dependence | 220.00 | 225.00 | |
| mental handicap | 250.00 | 257.00 | |
| physical disablement | |||
| (a) (under pension age) | 285.00 | 292.00 | |
| others | 208.00 | 213.00 | |
| maximum Greater London increase | 41.00 | 44.00 | |
| nursing homes | |||
| mental disorder (not handicap) | 312.00 | 319.00 | |
| drug/alcohol dependence | 312.00 | 319.00 | |
| mental handicap | 318.00 | 325.00 | |
| terminal illness | 311.00 | 318.00 | |
| physical disablement | |||
| (a) (under pension age) | 352.00 | 359.00 | |
| others (including elderly) | 311.00 | 318.00 | |
| maximum Greater London increase | 46.00 | 49.00 | |
| Amounts for meals where these cannot be purchased within the accommodation (Daily Rate) | |||
| breakfast | 1.10 | 1.10 | |
| midday meal | 1.55 | 1.55 | |
| evening meal | 1.55 | 1.55 | |
| Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in | |||
| private and voluntary residential care and nursing homes | |||
| personal expenses | 14.10 | 14.45 | |
| dependent children | |||
| (a) under 11 | 5.80 | 5.95 | |
| (b) 11 to 15 | 8.45 | 8.65 | |
| (c) 16 to 17 | 9.80 | 10.05 | |
| (d) age 18 | 14.10 | 14.45 | |
| hospital | |||
| higher rate | 15.60 | 16.20 | |
| lower rate | 12.50 | 12.95 | |
| local authority (Pt lll) accommodation | 62.45 | 64.70 | |
| of which, Personal Expenses | 14.10 | 14.45 | |
| 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 £78 | 7.00 | 7.00 | |
| aged 18 or over and in remunerative work | |||
| --gross income: less than £78.00 | 7.00 | 7.00 | |
| --gross income: £78 to £115.99 | 13.00 | 16.00 | |
| --gross income: £116 to £151.99 | 17.00 | 22.00 | |
| --gross income: £152 to £199.99 | 33.00 | 36.00 | |
| --gross income: £200.00 to £249.99 | 33.00 | 41.00 | |
| --gross income: £250.00 and above | 33.00 | 45.00 | |
| Deduction for direct payments | |||
| Deductions from JSA (IB) | |||
| arrears of housing, fuel and water costs council tax and fines default, and | 2.50 | 2.55 | |
| Deductions for Child Maintenance | |||
| deductions for child maintenance (standard) | 5.00 | 5.10 | |
| deductions for child maintenance (lower) | 2.50 | 2.55 | |
| Arrears of Community Charge | |||
| court order against claimant | 2.50 | 2.55 | |
| court order against couple | 3.90 | 3.95 | |
| Deductions from JSA (continued) | |||
| Arrears of Community Charge, Council Tax and fines | |||
| Age 16-17 | 9.86 | 10.10 | |
| Age 18-24 | 12.96 | 13.28 | |
| Age 25+ | 16.38 | 16.78 | |
| Maximum deduction for arrears of Child Support | |||
| Maintenance | |||
| Age 16-17 | 9.86 | 10.10 | |
| Age 18-24 | 12.96 | 13.28 | |
| Age 25+ | 16.38 | 16.78 | |
| Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments | |||
| ordinary overpayments | 7.50 | 7.65 | |
| where claimant convicted of fraud | 10.00 | 10.00 | |
| Reduction in benefit for strikers | 26.50 | 27.00 | |
| 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 for permanent resident of RC/NH | 16,000.00 | 16,000.00 | |
| amount disregarded for permanent resident 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 | 15.00 | 15.00 | |
| 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 per cent. 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 | 9.25 | 9.25 | |
| Maternity Allowance | |||
| lower rate | 48.35 | 50.10 | |
| higher rate | 55.70 | 57.70 | |
| Pneumoconiosis Byssinosis, Workmen's Compensation (Supplementation) and other schemes | |||
| Total disablement allowance and major incapacity allowance (maximum) | 101.10 | 104.70 | |
| Partial disablement allowance | 37.35 | 38.70 | |
| Unemployability supplement plus where appropriate increases for early incapacity | 62.45 | 64.70 | |
| higher rate | 13.15 | 13.60 | |
| middle rate | 8.30 | 8.60 | |
| lower rate | 4.15 | 4.30 | |
| Constant attendance allowance | |||
| exceptional rate | 81.00 | 84.00 | |
| intermediate rate | 60.75 | 63.00 | |
| normal maximum rate | 40.50 | 42.00 | |
| part-time rate | 20.25 | 21.00 | |
| Exceptionally severe disablement allowance | 40.50 | 42.00 | |
| Lesser incapacity allowance | |||
| maximum rate of allowance | 37.35 | 38.70 | |
| based on loss of earnings over | 49.50 | 51.30 | |
| Retirement Pension | |||
| Category A or B | 62.45 | 64.70 | |
| Category B(lower)--husband's insurance | 37.35 | 38.70 | |
| Category C or D--non-contributory | 37.35 | 38.70 | |
| Category C(lower)--non-contributory | 22.35 | 23.15 | |
| Additional pension | Increase by: 3.60 per cent. | ||
| Increments to: | |||
| Basic and additional pensions | Increase by 3.60 per cent. | ||
| Contracted out deductions (CODs) (Pre April '88 earnings) | |||
| Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB) | |||
| Increments to CODs (April 1988- April 1996 earnings) | Additional increase 0.6 per cent. to that paid by schemes | ||
| [3.0 per cent. paid by schemes] | |||
| Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit) (pence) | 8.11 | 8.40 | |
| Graduated Retirement Benefit (Inherited) | Increase by: 3.60 per cent. | ||
| Addition at age 80 | 0.25 | 0.25 | |
| Severe Disablement Allowance | |||
| Basic rate | 37.75 | 39.10 | |
| Age-related addition (from December 1990) | |||
| higher rate | 13.15 | 13.60 | |
| middle rate | 8.30 | 8.60 | |
| lower rate | 4.15 | 4.30 | |
| Statutory Maternity Pay | |||
| Earnings threshold | 62.00 | 64.00 | |
| Lower rate | 55.70 | 57.70 | |
| Statutory Sick Pay | |||
| Earnings threshold | 62.00 | 64.00 | |
| Standard rate | 55.70 | 57.70 | |
| War Pensions | |||
| Disablement Pension (100 per cent. rates) | |||
| officer (£ per annum) | 5,594.00 | 5,797.00 | |
| other ranks | 107.20 | 111.10 | |
| Age allowances | |||
| 40 per cent.-50 per cent. | 7.15 | 7.40 | |
| over 50 per cent. but not over 70 per cent. | 11.05 | 11.45 | |
| over 70 per cent. but not over 90 per cent. | 15.75 | 16.30 | |
| over 90 per cent. | 22.10 | 22.90 | |
| Disablement gratuity | |||
| specified minor injury (minimum) | 682.00 | 707.00 | |
| specified minor injury (maximum) | 5,100.00 | 5,284.00 | |
| unspecified minor injury (minimum) | 284.00 | 294.00 | |
| unspecified minor injury (maximum) | 6,632.00 | 6,871.00 | |
| Unemployability allowance | |||
| personal | 66.25 | 68.65 | |
| adult dependency increase | 37.35 | 38.70 | |
| increase for first child | 9.90 | 9.90 | |
| increase for subsequent children | 11.20 | 11.30 | |
| Invalidity allowance | |||
| higher rate | 13.15 | 13.60 | |
| middle rate | 8.30 | 8.60 | |
| lower rate | 4.15 | 4.30 | |
| Constant attendance allowance | |||
| exceptional rate | 81.00 | 84.00 | |
| intermediate rate | 60.75 | 63.00 | |
| normal maximum rate | 40.50 | 42.00 | |
| part-time rate | 20.25 | 21.00 | |
| Comforts allowance | |||
| higher rate | 17.40 | 18.00 | |
| lower rate | 8.70 | 9.00 | |
| Mobility supplement | 38.55 | 39.95 | |
| Allowance for lowered standard of occupation (maximum) | 40.44 | 41.88 | |
| Exceptionally severe disablement allowance | 40.50 | 42.00 | |
| Severe disablement occupational allowance | 20.25 | 21.00 | |
| Clothing allowance (£ per annum, maximum) | 137.00 | 142.00 | |
| Education allowance (£ per annum) (maximum) | 120.00 | 120.00 | |
| War widow's pension | |||
| Widow (private) | 81.00 | 83.90 | |
| Widow (NCO) | 81.25 | 84.20 | |
| Widow--Officer (£ per annum maximum) | 5,010.00 | 5,190.00 | |
| Childless widow u-40 (private) | 18.74 | 19.41 | |
| Childless widow u-40 (NCO) | 19.02 | 19.70 | |
| Childless widow u-40 (Officer maximum £s per annum) | 5,010.00 | 5,190.00 | |
| Supplementary Pension age allowance | 52.80 | 54.70 | |
| (a) age 65 to 69 | 9.25 | 9.60 | |
| (b) age 70 to 79 | 17.75 | 18.40 | |
| (c) age 80 and over | 26.45 | 27.40 | |
| children's allowance | |||
| increase for first child (adjusted for child benefit increase) | 14.15 | 14.25 | |
| increase for subsequent children | 15.45 | 15.65 | |
| Orphan's pension | |||
| increase for first child (adjusted for child benefit increase) | 15.90 | 16.05 | |
| increase for subsequent children | 17.20 | 17.45 | |
| Unmarried dependant living as (spouse maximum) | 78.95 | 81.85 | |
| Rent allowance (maximum) | 30.65 | 31.75 | |
| Adult orphan's pension (maximum) | 62.45 | 64.70 | |
| Widower's pension | |||
| private (maximum) | 81.00 | 83.90 | |
| officer (£ per annum) maximum | 5,010.00 | 5,190.00 | |
| Widow's Benefit | |||
| Widow's payment (lump sum) | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | |
| Widowed mother's allowance | 62.45 | 64.70 | |
| Widow's pension | |||
| standard rate | 62.45 | 64.70 | |
| age-related | |||
| age 54 (49) | 58.08 | 60.17 | |
| 53 (48) | 53.71 | 55.64 | |
| 52 (47) | 49.34 | 51.11 | |
| 51 (46) | 44.96 | 46.58 | |
| 50 (45) | 40.59 | 42.06 | |
| 49 (44) | 36.22 | 37.53 | |
| 48 (43) | 31.85 | 33.00 | |
| 47 (42) | 27.48 | 28.47 | |
| 46 (41) | 23.11 | 23.94 | |
| 45 (40) | 18.74 | 19.41 | |
Note:
For deaths occurring before 11 April 1988 refer to age-points shown in brackets.
2 Dec 1997 : Column: 201
| Old rates 1997 | New rates 1998 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme A | ||
| Credit | ||
| Couple | 47.65 | 48.80 |
| Single 25 and over | 28.75 | 29.45 |
| Single under 25 | 23.35 | 23.90 |
| For working 30 hrs + pw | 10.55 | 10.80 |
| Applicable amount (i.e., taper threshold) | ||
| Couple | 77.15 | 79.00 |
| Single 25 and over | 59.70 | 61.15 |
| Single under 25 | 49.45 | 50.65 |
| Scheme B | ||
| Credit | ||
| Couple | 57.50 | 58.90 |
| Single 25 and over | 28.75 | 29.45 |
| Single under 25 | 23.35 | 23.90 |
| For working 30 hrs + pw | 10.55 | 10.80 |
| Applicable amount (i.e., taper threshold) | ||
| Couple | 77.15 | 79.00 |
| Single 25 and over | 77.15 | 79.00 |
| Single under 25 | 77.15 | 79.00 |
| Both schemes | ||
| Capital | ||
| upper limit | 8,000.00 | |
| amount disregarded | 3,000.00 | fixed rates |
| Tariff income | ||
| £1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit | fixed rate | |
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