---

Family Credit (Pensions)

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in receipt of family credit have (a) private and (b) occupational pension arrangements. [98023]

10 Nov 1999 : Column: 562

Angela Eagle: It is estimated that around 1 in 10 working people in receipt of Working Families Tax Credit have a personal pension. Around 1 in 15 have an occupational pension.

10 Nov 1999 : Column: 563

Earnings Top-up

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many (a) single people and (b) couples with dependent children have received Earnings Top-up in each of the pilot areas. [98027]

Angela Eagle: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

Single people in receipt of ETU between October 1996 and October 1999

Pilot area	Number of single recipients
All areas	44,037
Newcastle upon Tyne	7,192
Barnsley, Castleford, Pontefract, Wakefield and Dewsbury	4,258
Southend	1,587
Wales	5,808
Sunderland	11,695
Doncaster	6,915
Bournemouth	3,191
Scotland	3,391

Notes:

1. Earnings Top-Up was awarded to couples or single people without dependants.

2. Figure is based on a 100 per cent. sample.

3. Couples with dependent children were not eligible for Earnings Top-Up, but would have been able to claim Family Credit or, from 5 October 1999, Working Families Tax Credit.

Source:

Earnings Top-Up Monthly Statistics, October 1999.

Consultants

Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much his Department spent on external consultants and advisers in each of the last four financial years. [97413]

Angela Eagle: The information is in the table.

The Department of Social Security expenditure on consultants for each of the last four financial years£ million

Year	Expenditure
1995-96	28.3
1996-97	23.3
1997-98	19.9
1998-99	27.2

Note:

Figures rounded to the nearest 100,000.

Pensioners

Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress he is making towards co-ordinating departmental policy towards financial support for pensioners. [96800]

Mr. Rooker: In June 1998, the Prime Minister set up the Inter-Ministerial Group for Older People to make sure that the needs of older people are better understood and that action to help them is effectively co-ordinated across Government. The Group meets regularly to discuss and synchronize our programme of help for older people. The

10 Nov 1999 : Column: 564

Group has already undertaken an audit of cross government initiatives to identify those that effect older people.

At present, the Group is focusing on three key areas--productive ageing, health and care and consultation and involvement.

As part of the consultation process, members of the Inter-Ministerial Group are taking part in a series of "listening to older people" events. These are being organised with non-governmental organisations supporting the UN Year of Older Persons.

The listening events, alongside other research the Group has commissioned, will provide information and feedback that will be invaluable in deciding priorities and helping shape the Government's policies to meet them.

Minimum Income Guarantee (Pensioners)

Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the proposed new measures to trace pensioners entitled to the minimum income guarantee will be introduced; and for what reason the measures were not taken in April. [97510]

Mr. Rooker: The national programme to encourage pensioners to claim their entitlement is being developed to take account of results from the large scale evaluation of the Pilot take-up initiatives which will be published later this year. We will present our plans for the national programme in due course.

Benefits Uprating

Gillian Merron: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out the new rates of benefit proposed from April 2000. [98350]

Mr. Darling: The information requested is set out in the schedule. The Annual uprating of benefits will take place in the first full week of the tax year. In 2000, this will be the week beginning 10 April. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland proposes to introduce similar changes for Northern Ireland.

Social Security Benefit Rates(Weekly rates unless otherwise shown)

	Rates 1999	Rates 2000
Attendance Allowance:
higher rate	52.95	53.55
lower rate	35.40	35.80
Child Benefit:
only, elder or eldest for whom
child benefit is payable (couple)	14.40	15.00
only, elder or eldest for whom
child benefit is payable (lone parent)	17.10	17.55
each subsequent child	9.60	10.00
Child's Special Allowance:
see note on Child Dependency Increase	11.35	11.35
Council Tax Benefit:
Personal allowances
single
18 to 24	40.70	41.35
25 or over	51.40	52.20
lone parent--18 or over	51.40	52.20
couple--one or both over 18	80.65	81.95
Dependent Children
from birth to September following 16th birthday	25.90	26.60
from September following 16th birthday to
day before 19th birthday	30.95	31.75
Premiums
family	13.90	14.25
family (lone parent rate)	22.05	22.20
pensioner
single	23.60	26.25
couple	35.95	40.00
pensioner (enhanced)
single	25.90	28.65
couple	39.20	43.40
pensioner (higher)
single	30.85	33.85
couple	44.65	49.10
disability
single	21.90	22.25
couple	31.25	31.75
severe disability
single	39.75	40.20
couple (one qualifies)	39.75	40.20
couple (both qualify)	79.50	80.40
disabled child	21.90	22.25
carer	13.95	14.15
Allowance for personal expenses for
claimants in hospital
higher rate	16.70	16.90
lower rate	13.35	13.50
Non-dependant deductions
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
gross income: £259 or more	6.50	6.95
gross income: £207 - £258.99	5.40	5.80
gross income: £120 - £206.99	4.30	4.60
gross income less than £120	2.15	2.30
others, aged 18 or over	2.20	2.30
Alternative maximum Council Tax Benefit
second adult on IS or JSA (ib)	25% of Council Tax
second adult's gross income: under £120	15% of Council Tax
£120 to £156.99	7.5% 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 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
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	70.00	70.00
childcare charges (2 or more children)	105.00	105.00
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 DPTC	11.05	11.25
30 Hr Adult Credit in WFTC	11.05	11.25
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	39.95	40.40
severe disablement allowance	23.95	24.20
invalid care allowance	23.90	24.15
short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary over
pension age	38.40	38.80
maternity allowance/short-term incapacity benefit	31.15	31.50
Child dependency increases, with;
retirement pension, widows benefit,
short-term incapacity benefit at the higher rate &
long term incapacity benefit, invalid care allowance
severe disablement allowance, higher rate industrial death
benefit, unemployability supplement and	11.35	11.35
short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary
over pension age(8)
Disability Living Allowance:
Care Component
Highest	52.95	53.55
Middle	35.40	35.80
Lowest	14.05	14.20
Mobility Component
Higher	37.00	37.40
Lower	14.05	14.20
Earnings Rules
Invalid Care Allowance	50.00	50.00
Limit of earnings from councillor's allowance	49.50	50.00
Therapeutic earnings limit	58.00	58.50
Industrial injuries unemployability	3,016.00	3,042.00
supplement permitted earnings level
(annual amount)
War pensioners' unemployability	3,016.00	3,042.00
supplement permitted earnings level
(annual amount)
Adult dependency increases with
short-term incap. benefit where claimant is
(a) under pension age	31.15	31.50
(b) over pension age	38.40	38.80
maternity allowance	31.15	31.50
retirement pension, long-term incapacity benefit,
severe disablement allowance, unemploy-
ability supplement where dependant
(a) is living with claimant	51.40	52.50
(b) still qualifies for the tapered	45.09	45.09
earnings rule
retirement pension, long-term incap benefit
and unemployability supplement where
dependant not living with claimant	39.95	40.40
severe disablement allowance where
dependant not living with claimant	23.95	24.20
invalid care allowance	23.90	24.15
Child dependency increases
level at which CDIs are affected by
earnings of claimant's spouse or partner
for first child	145.00	145.00
for each subsequent child	19.00	19.00
Guardian's Allowance	11.35	11.35
see note on Child Dependency Increase
Hospital Downrating
20% rate	13.35	13.50
40% rate	26.70	27.00
Housing Benefit
Personal allowances
single
16 to 24	40.70	41.35
25 or over	51.40	52.20
lone parent
under 18	40.70	41.35
18 or over	51.40	52.20
couple
both under 18	61.35	62.35
one or both over 18	80.65	81.95
dependent children
from birth to September following 16th birthday	25.90	26.60
from September following 16th birthday to
day before 19th birthday	30.95	31.75
Premiums
family	13.90	14.25
family (lone parent rate)	22.05	22.20
pensioner
single	23.60	26.25
couple	35.95	40.00
pensioner (enhanced)
single	25.90	28.65
couple	39.20	43.40
pensioner (higher)
single	30.85	33.85
couple	44.65	49.10
disability
single	21.90	22.25
couple	31.25	31.75
severe disability
single	39.75	40.20
couple (one qualifies)	39.75	40.20
couple (both qualify)	79.50	80.40
disabled child	21.90	22.25
carer	13.95	14.15
Allowance for personal expenses for
claimants in hospital
higher rate	16.70	16.90
lower rate	13.35	13.50
Non-dependant deductions
rent rebates and allowances 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 £81.00	7.20	7.40
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
gross income: less than £81.00	7.20	7.40
gross income: £81 to £117.99	16.50	17.00
gross income: £118 to £154.99	22.65	23.35
gross income: £155 to £203.99	37.10	38.20
gross income: £204.00 to £254.99	42.25	43.50
gross income: £255.00 and above	46.35	47.75
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	18.35	18.65
each person in family aged 16 or over	18.35	18.65
each child under 16	9.25	9.40
less than three meals a day
single claimant	12.20	12.40
each person in family aged 16 or over	12.20	12.40
each child under 16	6.15	6.25
breakfast only--claimant and each
member of family	2.20	2.25
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 perm. res. of RC/NH	16,000.00	16,000.00
amt disregarded for perm. res. 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	70.00	70.00
childcare charges (2 or more children)	105.00	105.00
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 DPTC	11.05	11.25
30 Hr Adult Credit in WFTC	11.05	11.25
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	66.75	67.50
Short-term Incapacity Benefit
(under pension age)
lower rate	50.35	50.90
higher rate	59.55	60.20
Short-term Incapacity Benefit
(over pension age)
lower rate	64.05	64.75
higher rate	66.75	67.50
Increase of Long-term Incapacity Benefit for age
higher rate	14.05	14.20
lower rate	7.05	7.10
Invalidity Allowance (Transitional)
higher rate	14.05	14.20
middle rate	8.90	9.00
lower rate	4.45	4.50
Income Support
Personal Allowances
single
under 18--usual rate	30.95	31.45
under 18--higher rate payable
in specific circumstances	40.70	41.35
18 to 24	40.70	41.35
25 or over	51.40	52.20
lone parent
under 18--usual rate	30.95	31.45
under 18--higher rate payable
in specific circumstances	40.70	41.35
18 or over	51.40	52.20
couple
both under 18	61.35	62.35
one or both 18 or over	80.65	81.95
dependent children
birth to September following 16th birthday	25.90	26.60
from September following 16th birthday to
day before 19th birthday	30.95	31.75
Residential Allowance
except Greater London	59.40	61.30
Greater London	66.10	68.20
Premiums
family	13.90	14.25
family (lone parent rate)	15.75	15.90
pensioner
single	23.60	26.25
couple	35.95	40.00
pensioner (enhanced)
single	25.90	28.65
couple	39.20	43.40
pensioner (higher)
single	30.85	33.85
couple	44.65	49.10
disability
single	21.90	22.25
couple	31.25	31.75
severe disability
single	39.75	40.20
couple (one qualifies)	39.75	40.20
couple (both qualify)	79.50	80.40
disabled child	21.90	22.25
carer	13.95	14.15
Maximum amounts for accommodation and meals in residential care homes:
old age	218.00	221.00
very dependent elderly	252.00	256.00
mental disorder (not handicap)	230.00	234.00
drug/alcohol dependence	230.00	234.00
mental handicap	262.00	266.00
physical disablement
(a) (under pension age)	298.00	303.00
(b) (over pension age)	218.00	221.00
others	218.00	221.00
maximum Greater London increase	45.00	46.00
nursing homes
mental disorder (not handicap)	326.00	331.00
drug/alcohol dependence	326.00	331.00
mental handicap	332.00	337.00
terminal illness	325.00	330.00
physical disablement
(a) (under pension age)	367.00	373.00
(b) (over pension age)	325.00	330.00
others (including elderly)	325.00	330.00
maximum Greater London increase	50.00	51.00
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	14.75	15.45
dependent children
(a) under 11	6.05	6.15
(b) 11 to 15	8.85	9.00
(c) 16 to 17	10.25	10.40
(d) age 18	14.75	15.00
hospital
higher rate	16.70	16.90
lower rate	13.35	13.50
Local authority (Pt III) accommodation	66.75	67.50
of which, Personal Expenses	14.75	15.45
Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in:
the Polish home Ilford Park
max amount for accommodation and meals	367.00	373.00
personal expenses for claimant	17.35	17.35
personal expenses for partner	17.35	17.35
personal expenses for dep children
(a) under 11	6.05	6.15
(b) 11 to 15	8.85	9.00
(c) 16 to 17	10.25	10.40
(d) 18	15.55	15.55
Housing costs deduction for non-dependants 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 £81.00	7.20	7.40
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work:
gross income: £81 to £117.99	16.50	17.00
gross income: £118 to £154.99	22.65	26.35
gross income: £155 to £203.99	37.10	38.20
gross income: £204.00 to £254.99	42.25	43.50
gross income: £255.00 and above	46.35	47.75
Deduction for direct payments
arrears of housing, fuel and water costs
council tax and fines default and	2.60	2.65
deductions for child maintenance (standard)	5.20	5.30
deductions for child maintenance (lower)	2.60	2.65
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant	2.60	2.65
court order against couple	4.05	4.10
Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments
ordinary overpayments	7.80	7.95
where claimant convicted of fraud	10.40	10.40
Reduction in benefit for strikers	27.50	28.00
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 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
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% 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	66.75	67.50
lower rate	20.03	20.25
Industrial Injuries Disablement Pension
18 and over, or under 18 with dependants
100%	108.10	109.30
90%	97.29	98.37
80%	86.48	87.44
70%	75.67	76.51
60%	64.86	65.58
50%	54.05	54.65
40%	43.24	43.72
30%	32.43	34.79
20%	21.62	21.86
Under 18
100%	66.20	66.95
90%	59.58	60.26
80%	52.96	53.56
70%	46.34	46.87
60%	39.72	40.17
50%	33.10	33.48
40%	26.48	26.78
30%	19.86	20.09
20%	13.24	13.39
Maximum life gratuity (lump sum)	7,180.00	7,260.00
Unemployability Supplement	66.75	67.50
plus where appropriate an increase for early incapacity
higher rate	14.05	14.20
middle rate	8.90	9.00
lower rate	4.45	4.50
Maximum reduced earnings allowance	43.24	43.72
Maximum retirement allowance	10.81	10.93
Constant attendance allowance
exceptional rate	86.60	87.60
intermediate rate	64.95	65.70
normal maximum rate	43.30	43.80
part-time rate	21.65	21.90
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance	43.30	43.80
Invalid Care Allowance	39.95	40.40
Jobseekers Allowance
Contribution based JSA--pers. rates
under 18	30.95	31.45
18 to 24	40.70	41.35
25 or over	51.40	52.20
Income-based JSA--pers. allowances
under 18	30.95	31.45
18 to 24	40.70	41.35
25 or over	51.40	52.20
lone parent
under 18--usual rate	30.95	31.45
under 18--higher rate payable
in specific circumstances	40.70	41.35
18 or over	51.40	52.20
couple
both under 18	30.95	31.45
both under 18, one disabled	40.70	41.35
both under 18, with resp. for a child	61.35	62.35
one under 18, one 18-24	40.70	41.35
one under 18, one 25+	51.40	52.20
both 18 or over	80.65	81.95
dependent children
from birth to September following 16th birthday	25.90	26.60
from September following 16th birthday to
day before 19th birthday	30.95	31.75
Residential Allowance
except Greater London	59.40	61.30
Greater London	66.10	68.20
Premiums
family	13.90	14.25
family (lone parent rate)	15.75	15.90
pensioner
single	23.60	26.25
couple	35.95	40.00
pensioner (enhanced)
couple	39.20	43.40
pensioner (higher)
single	30.85	33.85
couple	44.65	49.10
disability
single	21.90	22.25
couple	31.25	31.75
severe disability
single	39.75	40.20
couple (one qualifies)	39.75	40.20
couple (both qualify)	79.50	80.40
disabled child	21.90	22.25
carer	13.95	14.15
Maximum amounts for accommodation and meals in
residential care homes:
mental disorder (not handicap)	230.00	234.00
drug/alcohol dependence	230.00	234.00
mental handicap	262.00	266.00
physical disablement
(a) (under pension age)	298.00	303.00
others	218.00	221.00
maximum Greater London increase	45.00	46.00
nursing homes
mental disorder (not handicap)	326.00	331.00
drug/alcohol dependence	326.00	331.00
mental handicap	332.00	337.00
terminal illness	325.00	330.00
physical disablement
(a) (under pension age)	367.00	373.00
others (including elderly)	325.00	330.00
maximum Greater London increase	50.00	51.00
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	14.75	15.45
dependent children
(a) under 11	6.05	6.15
(b) 11 to 15	8.85	9.00
(c) 16 to 17	10.25	10.40
(d) age 18	14.75	15.00
hospital
higher rate	16.70	16.90
lower rate	13.35	13.50
local authority (Pt III) accommodation	66.75	67.50
of which, Personal Expenses	14.75	15.00
Housing costs
deduction for non-dependants
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 £81.00	7.20	7.40
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
gross income: less than £81.00	7.20	7.40
gross income: £81 to £117.99	16.50	17.00
gross income: £118 to £154.99	22.65	23.35
gross income: £155 to £203.99	37.10	38.20
gross income: £204.00 to £254.99	42.25	43.50
gross income: £255.00 and above	46.35	47.75
Deduction for direct payments
Deductions from JSA (IB)
arrears of housing, fuel and water costs
council tax and fines default, and	2.60	2.65
Deductions for Child Maintenance
deductions for child maintenance (standard)	5.20	5.30
deductions for child maintenance (lower)	2.60	2.65
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant	2.60	2.65
court order against couple	4.05	4.10
Deductions from JSA (Cont.)
Arrears of Comm. Charge, Council Tax, fines & overpayment recovery
Age 16-17	10.31	10.48
Age 18-24	13.56	13.78
Age 25+	17.13	17.40
Maximum deduction for arrears of Child Supp. Maintenance
Age 16-17	10.31	10.48
Age 18-24	13.56	13.78
Age 25+	17.13	17.40
Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments in JSA (ib)
ordinary overpayments	7.80	7.95
where claimant convicted of fraud	10.40	10.40
Reduction in benefit for strikers	27.50	28.00
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 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
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% 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	51.70	52.25
Higher rate	59.55	60.20
New standard rate	0.00	60.20
MA threshold	0.00	30.00
Pneumoconiosis, Byssinosis, and Miscellaneous Diseases
Scheme and the Workmen's Compensation (Supplementation)
Total disablement allowance and major
incapacity allowance (maximum)	108.10	109.30
Partial disablement allowance	39.95	40.40
Unemployability supplement	66.70	67.50
plus where appropriate increases
for early incapacity
higher rate	14.05	14.20
middle rate	8.90	9.00
lower rate	4.45	4.50
Constant attendance allowance
exceptional rate	86.60	87.60
intermediate rate	64.95	65.70
normal maximum rate	43.30	43.80
part-time rate	21.65	21.90
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance	43.30	43.80
Lesser incapacity allowance
maximum rate of allowance	39.95	40.40
based on loss of earnings over	52.95	53.55
Retirement Pension
Category A or B	66.75	67.50
Category B (lower)--husband's insurance	39.95	40.40
Category C or D--non-contributory	39.95	40.40
Category C (lower)--non-contributory	23.90	24.15
Additional pension	Increase by:
		1.1%
Increments to:-
Basic & additional pensions	Increase by:
Contracted out deductions (CODs) (Pre April 1988 earnings)		1.1%
Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB)
Increments to CODs (April 1988-April 1996 earnings)	Additional increase	Nil
(3.0% paid by schemes)	0.2% to that paid by schemes
Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit)(pence)	8.67	8.77
Graduated Retirement Benefit (Inherited)		Increase by:
		1.1%
Addition at age 80	0.25	0.25
Severe Disablement Allowance
Basic rate	40.35	40.80
Age-related addition (from December 1990)
Higher rate	14.05	14.20
Middle rate	8.90	9.00
Lower rate	4.45	4.50
Statutory Maternity Pay
Earnings threshold	66.00	67.00
Lower rate	59.55	60.20
Statutory Sick Pay
Earnings threshold	66.00	67.00
Standard rate	59.55	60.20
War Pensions
Disablement Pension (100% rates)
officer (£ per annum)	5,985.00	6,053.00
other ranks	114.70	116.00
Age allowances
40-50%	7.65	7.75
over 50% but not over 70%	11.80	11.95
over 70% but not over 90%	16.80	17.00
over 90%	23.60	23.90
Disablement gratuity
specified minor injury (minimum)	730.00	738.00
specified minor injury (maximum)	5,453.00	5,513.00
unspecified minor injury (minimum)	303.00	306.00
unspecified minor injury (maximum)	7,091.00	7,169.00
Unemployability allowance
personal	70.85	71.65
adult dependency increase	39.95	40.40
increase for first child (See note on Child Dependency Increase)	9.90	9.85
increase for subsequent children (See note on Child Dependency Increase)	11.35	11.35
Invalidity allowance
higher rate	14.05	14.20
middle rate	8.90	9.00
lower rate	4.45	4.50
Constant attendance allowance
exceptional rate	86.60	87.60
intermediate rate	64.95	65.70
normal maximum rate	43.30	43.80
part-time rate	21.65	21.90
Comforts allowance
higher rate	18.60	18.80
lower rate	9.30	9.40
Mobility supplement	41.25	41.70
Allowance for lowered standard of
occupation (maximum)	43.24	43.72
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance	43.30	43.80
Severe disablement occupational allowance	21.65	21.90
Clothing allowance (£ per annum)	147.00	149.00
Education allowance (£ per annum, maximum)	120.00	120.00
War widow's pension (further details in schedule WWP)
Widow (private)	86.60	87.55
Widow (NCO)	86.90	87.55
Widow--Officer (£ per annum, maximum)	5,356.00	5,415.00
Childless widow u-40 (private)	20.03	20.25
Childless widow (NCO)	20.33	20.55
Childless widow (Officer maximum £ per annum)	5,356.00	5,415.00
Supplementary Pension	56.45	57.07
age allowance
(a) age 65 to 69	9.90	10.00
(b) age 70 to 79	19.00	19.20
(c) age 80 and over	28.30	28.60
children's allowance
increase for first child (See note on Child Dependency Increase)	14.35	14.35
increase for subsequent children (See note on Child Dependency Increase)	15.80	15.85
Orphan's pension
increase for first child (See note on Child Dependency Increase)	16.20	16.20
increase for subsequent children (See note on Child Dependency Increase)	17.65	17.70
Unmarried dependant living as spouse (max)	84.55	85.50
Rent allowance (maximum)	32.75	33.10
Adult orphan's pension (maximum)	66.75	67.50
Widower's pension
private (maximum)	86.60	87.55
officer (£ per annum, maximum)	5,356.00	5,415.00
Widow's Benefit
Widow's payment (lump sum)	1,000.00	1,000.00
Widowed mother's allowance	66.75	67.50
Widow's pension
standard rate	66.75	67.50
age-related(10)
age 54 (49)	62.08	62.78
53 (48)	57.41	58.05
52 (47)	52.73	53.33
51 (46)	48.06	48.60
50 (45)	43.39	43.88
49 (44)	38.72	39.15
48 (43)	34.04	34.43
47 (42)	29.37	29.70
46 (41)	24.70	24.98
45 (40)	20.03	20.25

(8) NB--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 ChB is also payable. The weekly rate of the increase or allowance is reduced by the differential (less the £3.50 from April 2000) between the rate of ChB payable for the oldest eligible child and that payable for a subsequent child.

(9) Includes £2.50 increase from 9 November 1998.

(10) For deaths occurring before 11 April 1988 refer to age-points shown in brackets.

10 Nov 1999 : Column: 578

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