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HEALTH

Care Service Regulatory Fees

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Dr. Stephen Ladyman): The fees for care services currently regulated by the National Care Standards Commission (NCSC) will be increased in April 2004. A table of the new fees is as follows.

Regulatory fee income is to assist with the funding of the NCSC, with the intention of achieving full cost recovery after five years, with a review in 2004. The policy on regulatory fees—including the intention of full cost recovery and the consequences for later years—was established following consultation in 2001. The fee structure also makes the costs of regulation transparent and borne by those who stand to benefit from more consistent national minimum standards so that pressures will apply to the regulatory process to ensure that it continues to be effective and efficient.

Next April, the Commission for Social Care Inspection will take on the NCSC's role of regulating independent social care providers. The regulation of private and voluntary healthcare providers will move from the NCSC to the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection. The new Commissions will further strengthen the system for inspecting those services.

Individual letters are being sent to all providers of care services regulated by the NCSC to notify them about the increases.

FEES FOR REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION 2004/05(2003–04 fees in brackets)

REGISTRATION FEES
Service	Unit	Current fee	New fee
Provider registration	home	£1320 *	£1584
Provider registration small homes and adult placements	home	£360 *	£432
Manager registration	manager	£360 *	£432
Minor variation	application	£60	£72
Variation requiring visit	application	£660 *	£792
ANNUAL FEES
Service	Flat rate	Approved Place from 4th—29th	Approved place over 30th
Care homes & hospices	£21 6 (£180)	£72 (£60)	£72 (£60)
Small care homes and adult placements	£144 (£120)	N/a	N/a
Acute and mental health hospitals	£ 3600 (£3000)	£144 (£120)	£72 (£60)
Prescribed techniques clinics	£1080 (£900)	£144 (£120)	£72 (£60)
Independent hospital	£1440 (£1200)	£144 (£120)	£72 (£60)
Other independent healthcare	£1440 (£1200)	N/a	N/a
Children's homes	£720 (£600)	£ 72 (£60)	£72 (£60)
Small children's homes	£720 (£600)	N/a	N/a
Boarding schools and further education	£360 (£300)	£21.60 (£18)	£10.80 (£9)
Residential special schools	£576 (£480)	£57.60 (£48)	£28.80 (£24)
Fostering agencies and local authorities	£1440 (£1200)	N/a	N/a
Residential family centres	£ 480 (£400)	£60 (£50)	£60 (£50)
Domiciliary care agencies	£ 900 (£750)	N/a	N/a
Small domiciliary care agencies	£ 450 (£375)	N/a	N/a
Nurses agencies	£ 600 (£500)	N/a	N/a
Voluntary adoption agencies	£ 600 (£500)	N/a	N/a
Voluntary adoption agency branches	£ 300 (£250)	N/a	N/a
Small nurses agencies	£ 300 (£250)	N/a	N/a

*Domiciliary care agencies, voluntary adoption agencies, nurse agencies and residential family centres pay 2003–04 prices

11 Dec 2003 : Column 105WS

TREASURY

Aspire IT Services Contract

The Paymaster General (Dawn Primarolo): The Inland Revenue is today announcing that Cap Gemini Ernst & Young (CGEY) has been selected as the Department's preferred supplier for the Aspire IT services contract.

Aspire will provide a range of Information Technology/Information Systems and related services including voice. These services are intended to support current and new business channels (including e-business) as the Department faces the challenges of the future. Because no one single supplier can provide the full range of IT services the Inland Revenue requires, CGEY will act as the Prime supplier with responsibility for integrating Inland Revenue systems and supporting transformation, supported by co-partners.

The initial term of the contract will be 10 years, with options to extend, potentially in a number of stages, for up to 18 years.

The competition sought to identify the bidder which delivers the most economically advantageous tender. Two preferred bidders were announced on 16 July 2003. Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and Revenue Professional Services (RPS—an alliance of EDS and Accenture). The Project developed a comprehensive and exhaustive evaluation process that commenced with the receipt of responses to the Invitation to Tender (ITT) in March 2003. The technical fit of each proposition was tested against specific criteria for:

strategic partnership potential


ability to deliver IT services


ability to innovate and deliver technology enabled change


ability to manage transition to the new contract effectively.

11 Dec 2003 : Column 106WS

In parallel with this activity there was a financial and commercial evaluation.

CGEY proved themselves across the range of evaluation criteria and demonstrated their capacity to act as strategic partner. In addition, the contract prices quoted by both bidders were compared with each other and with a baseline established through the use of professional benchmarking advisers (a "Should Cost Model").

WORK AND PENSIONS

Social Security Benefits Uprating 2004

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr. Andrew Smith): The proposed rates of benefit for 2004 are set out in the table below. The annual uprating of benefits will take place for State Pension and most other benefits in the first full week of the tax year. In 2004, this will be the week beginning 12 April. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland proposes to introduce similar changes for Northern Ireland.

	Rates	Rates
(Weekly rates unless otherwise shown)	2003	2004
ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE
higher rate	57.20	58.80
lower rate	38.30	39.35
CARER'S ALLOWANCE	43.15	44.35
COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT
Personal allowances
single
18 to 24	43.25	44.05
25 or over	54.65	55.65
lone parent—18 or over	54.65	55.65
couple—one or both over 18	85.75	87.30
Dependent Children
from birth to September following 16th birthday	38.50	42.27
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	38.50	42.27
Pensioner (from October 2003)
single—60–64	102.10	105.45
couple—one or both 60–64	155.80	160.95
single—65 and over	116.90	121.00
couple—one or both 65 and over	175.00	181.20
Premiums
family	15.75	15.95
family (lone parent rate)	22.20	22.20
pensioner
single	47.45	49.80
couple	70.05	73.65
pensioner (enhanced)
single	47.45	49.80
couple	70.05	73.65
pensioner (higher)
single	47.45	49.80
couple	70.05	73.65
disability
single	23.30	23.70
couple	33.25	33.85
enhanced disability premium single rate	11.40	11.60
disabled child rate	16.60	17.08
couple rate	16.45	16.75
severe disability
single	42.95	44.15
couple (lower rate)	42.95	44.15
couple (higher rate)	85.90	88.30
disabled child	41.30	42.49
carer	25.10	25.55
bereavement	22.80	23.95
Allowance for personal expenses for claimantsin hospital
higher rate	19.35	19.90
lower rate	15.50	15.90
Non-dependant deductions aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
— gross income: £308 or more	6.95	6.95
— gross income: £247–£307.99	5.80	5.80
— gross income: £144–£246.99	4.60	4.60
— gross income less than £144	2.30	2.30
others, aged 18 or over	2.30	2.30
Alternative maximum Council Tax Benefit second adult on IS, JSA(ib) or Pension Credit	25% ofCouncilTax	25% ofCouncilTax
second adult's gross income:
— under £144	15% ofCouncilTax	15% ofCouncilTax
— £144 to £185.99	7.5% ofCouncilTax	7.5% ofCouncilTax
Capital
upper limit	16,000.00	16,000.00
amount disregarded	3,000.00	3,000.00
upper limit (claimant/partner 60 or over)	16,000.00	16,000.00
upper limit (PC guarantee) from Oct 2003	No limit	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
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Tariff income (claimant/partner 60 or over) from October 2003
£1 for every £500 or part thereof between amount of capital disregard and capitalupper 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	135.00
childcare charges (2 or more children)	140.00	200.00
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 ofthe charge	20.00	20.00
30/16 hour disregard	11.90	12.32
Expenses for subtenants
furnished or unfurnished	4.00	4.00
where heating is included, additional	9.65	9.80
DEPENDENCY INCREASES
Adult Dependency Increases for spouse or person looking after children, with;
retirement pension on own insurance,	46.35	47.65
long term incapacity benefit, unemployability supplement	43.15	44.35
severe disablement allowance	25.90	26.65
carers allowance	25.80	26.50
short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary over pension age	41.50	42.65
maternity allowance/short-term incapacity benefit	33.65	34.60
Child Dependency Increases, with;
retirement pension, widowed mothers allowance, widowed parents allowance, short-term incapacity benefit at the higher rate & long term incapacity benefit, carers allowance, severe disability allowance, higher rate industrial death benefit, unemployability supplement and short-term incapacity 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 Child Benefit is also payable. The weekly rate of the increase is reduced by the differential (less £3.50 from April 2000) 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	57.20	58.80
Middle	38.30	39.35
Lowest	15.15	15.55
Mobility Component
Higher	39.95	41.05
Lower	15.15	15.55
EARNINGS RULES
Carers Allowance	77.00	79.00
Limit of earnings from councillor's allowance	67.50	72.00
Permitted work earnings limit	67.50	72.00
Industrial injuries unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount)	3,510.00	3,744.00
Adult dependency increases with short-term incapacity benefit where claimant is
(a) under pension age	33.65	34.60
(b) over pension age	41.50	42.65
maternity allowance	33.65	34.60
retirement pension, long-term incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, unemploy ability supplement where dependant
(a) is living with claimant	54.65	55.65
(b) still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule	45.09	45.09
retirement pension,	46.35	47.65
long-term incapacity benefit and unemployability supplement where dependant not living with claimant	43.15	44.35
severe disablement allowance where dependant not living with claimant	25.90	26.65
carers allowance	25.80	26.50
Child dependency increases level at which CDIs are affected by earnings of claimant's spouse or partner
for first child	160.00	165.00
for each subsequent child	20.00	21.00
HOSPITAL DOWNRATING
20% rate	15.50	15.90
38% rate	29.45	30.25
HOUSING BENEFIT
Personal allowances
single
16 to 24	43.25	44.05
25 or over	54.65	55.65
lone parent
under 18	43.25	44.05
18 or over	54.65	55.65
couple
both under 18	65.30	66.50
one or both 18 or over	85.75	87.30
dependent children
from birth to September following16th birthday	38.50	42.27
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	38.50	42.27
pensioner (from October 2003)
single—60–64	102.10	105.45
couple—one or both 60–64	155.80	160.95
single—65 and over	116.90	121.00
couple—one or both 65 and over	175.00	181.20
Premiums
family	15.75	15.95
family (lone parent rate)	22.20	22.20
pensioner
single	47.45	49.80
couple	70.05	73.65
pensioner (enhanced)
single	47.45	49.80
couple	70.05	73.65
pensioner (higher)
single	47.45	49.80
couple	70.05	73.65
disability
single	23.30	23.70
couple	33.25	33.85
enhanced disbility premium single rate	11.40	11.60
disabled child rate	16.60	17.08
couple rate	16.45	16.75
severe disability
single	42.95	44.15
couple (lower rate)	42.95	44.15
couple (higher rate)	85.90	88.30
disabled child	41.30	42.49
carer	25.10	25.55
bereavement	22.80	23.95
Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital
higher rate	19.35	19.90
lower rate	15.50	15.90
Non-dependant deductions rent rebates and allowances aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Supporter income-based Job Seekers Allowance aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work or in receipt of Pension Credit	7.40	7.40
— gross income less than £97 aged 18 or over and in remunerative work	7.40	7.40
— gross income: less than £97	7.40	7.40
— gross income: £97 to £143.99	17.00	17.00
— gross income: £144 to £185.99	23.35	23.35
— gross income: £186 to £246.99	38.20	38.20
— gross income: £247 to £307.99	43.50	43.50
— gross income: £308 and above	47.75	47.75
Service charges for fuel
heating	9.65	9.80
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	19.50	19.85
each person in family aged 16 or over	19.50	19.85
each child under 16	9.85	10.05
less than three meals a day
single claimant	12.95	13.20
each person in family aged 16 or over	12.95	13.20
each child under 16	6.55	6.65
breakfast only—claimant and each memberof family	2.40	2.45
Capital
upper limit	16,000.00	16,000.00
amount disregarded	3,000.00	3,000.00
upper limit (claimant/partner 60 or over)	16,000.00	16,000.00
upper limit (PC guarantee) from Oct 2003	No limit	No limit
amount disregarded (claimant/partner 60or 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
£1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Tariff income (claimant/partner 60 or over) from Oct 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	135.00
childcare charges (2 or more children)	140.00	200.00
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
30/16 hour disregard	11.90	12.32
Expenses for subtenants
furnished or unfurnished	4.00	4.00
where heating is included, additional	9.65	9.80
Maximium rates for recovery of overpayments
ordinary overpayments	8.25	8.40
where claimant convicted of fraud	10.80	11.20
INCAPACITY BENEFIT
Long-term Incapacity Benefit	72.15	74.15
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under pension age)
lower rate	54.40	55.90
higher rate	64.35	66.15
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over pension age)
lower rate	69.20	71.15
higher rate	72.15	74.15
Increase of Long-term Incapacity Benefit for age
higher rate	15.15	15.55
lower rate	7.60	7.80
Invalidity Allowance (Transitional)
higher rate	15.15	15.55
middle rate	9.70	10.00
lower rate	4.85	5.00
INCOME SUPPORT
Personal Allowances
single
under 18—usual rate	32.90	33.50
under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	43.25	44.05
18 to 24	43.25	44.05
25 or over	54.65	55.65
lone parent
under 18—usual rate	32.90	33.50
under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	43.25	44.05
18 or over	54.65	55.65
couple
both under 18	32.90	33.50
both under 18, one disabled	43.25	44.05
both under 18, with responsibility for a child	65.30	66.50
one under 18, one 18–24	43.25	44.05
one under 18, one 25+	54.65	55.65
both 18 or over	85.75	87.30
dependent children
birth to September following 16th birthday	38.50	42.27
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	38.50	42.27
Premiums
family	15.75	15.95
family (lone parent rate)	15.90	15.95
pensioner couple	70.05	73.65
pensioner (enhanced) couple	70.05	73.65
pensioner (higher) couple	70.05	73.65
disability
single	23.30	23.70
couple	33.25	33.85
enhanced disability premium single rate	11.40	11.60
disabled child rate	16.60	17.08
couple rate	16.45	16.75
severe disability
single	42.95	44.15
couple (lower rate)	42.95	44.15
couple (higher rate)	85.90	88.30
disabled child	41.30	42.49
carer	25.10	25.55
bereavement	22.80	23.95
Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in hospital:
higher rate	19.35	19.90
lower rate	15.50	15.90
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 in receipt of Pension Credit	7.40	7.40
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
— gross income: less than £97	7.40	7.40
— gross income: £97 to £143.99	17.00	17.00
— gross income: £144 to £185.99	23.35	23.35
— gross income: £186 to £246.99	38.20	38.20
— gross income: £247 to £307.99	43.50	43.50
— gross income: £308 and above	47.75	47.75
Deduction for direct payments, arrears of housing, fuel and water costs council tax and fines default	2.75	2.80
Deductions for child maintenance (standard)	5.50	5.60
Deductions for child maintenance (lower)	2.75	2.80
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant	2.75	2.80
court order against couple	4.30	4.40
Third party deductions personal expenses allowance	17.50	18.10
Maximium rates for recovery of overpayments
ordinary overpayments	8.25	8.40
where claimant convicted of fraud	10.80	11.20
Reduction in benefit for strikers	29.50	30.00
Capital
upper limit	8,000.00	8,000.00
amount disregarded	3,000.00	3,000.00
upper limit (claimant/partner 60 or over)	12,000.00	12,000.00
amount disregarded (claimant/partner 60 or over)	6,000.00	6,000.00
child's limit	3,000.00	3,000.00
upper limit (care home)	16,000.00	16,000.00
amount disregarded (care home)	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	9.65	9.80
INDUSTRIAL DEATH BENEFIT
Widow's pension
higher rate	77.45	79.60
lower rate	23.24	23.88
Widower's pension	77.45	79.60
INDUSTRIAL INJURIES DISABLEMENT PENSION
18 and over, or under 18 with dependants
100%	116.80	120.10
90%	105.12	108.09
80%	93.44	96.08
70%	81.76	84.07
60%	70.08	72.06
50%	58.40	60.05
40%	46.72	48.04
30%	35.04	36.03
20%	23.36	24.02
Under 18
100%	71.55	73.55
90%	64.40	66.20
80%	57.24	58.84
70%	50.09	51.49
60%	42.93	44.13
50%	35.78	36.78
40%	28.62	29.42
30%	21.47	22.07
20%	14.31	14.71
Maximum life gratuity (lump sum)	7,760.00	7,980.00
Unemployability Supplement	72.15	74.15
plus where appropriate an increase for early incapacity
higher rate	15.15	15.55
middle rate	9.70	10.00
lower rate	4.85	5.00
Maximum reduced earnings allowance	46.72	48.04
Maximum retirement allowance	11.68	12.01
Constant attendance allowance
exceptional rate	93.60	96.20
intermediate rate	70.20	72.15
normal maximum rate	46.80	48.10
part-time rate	23.40	24.05
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance	46.80	48.10
JOBSEEKERS ALLOWANCE
Contribution based JSA—Personal rates
under 18	32.90	33.50
18 to 24	43.25	44.05
25 or over	54.65	55.65
Income-based JSA—personal allowances
under 18	32.90	33.50
18 to 24	43.25	44.05
25 or over	54.65	55.65
lone parent
under 18—usual rate	32.90	33.50
under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	43.25	44.05
18 or over	54.65	55.65
couple
both under 18	32.90	33.50
both under 18, one disabled	43.25	44.05
both under 18, with responsibility for a child	65.30	66.50
one under 18, one 18–24	43.25	44.05
one under 18, one 25+	54.65	55.65
both 18 or over	85.75	87.30
dependent children from birth to September following 16th birthday	38.50	42.27
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	38.50	42.27
Premiums
family	15.75	15.95
family (lone parent rate)	15.90	15.95
pensioner
single	47.45	49.80
couple	70.05	73.65
pensioner (enhanced) couple	70.05	73.65
pensioner (higher)
single	47.45	49.80
couple	70.05	73.65
disability
single	23.30	23.70
couple	33.25	33.85
enhanced disability premium single rate	11.40	11.60
disabled child rate	16.60	17.08
couple rate	16.45	16.75
severe disability
single	42.95	44.15
couple (lower rate)	42.95	44.15
couple (higher rate)	85.90	88.30
disabled child	41.30	42.49
carer	25.10	25.55
bereavement	22.80	23.95
hospital
higher rate	19.35	19.90
lower rate	15.50	15.90
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 in receipt of Pension Credit 0.00	7.40	7.40
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
— gross income: less than £97	7.40	7.40
— gross income: £97 to £143.99	17.00	17.00
— gross income: £144 to £185.99	23.35	23.35
— gross income: £186 to £246.99	38.20	38.20
— gross income: £247 to £307.99	43.50	43.50
— gross income: £308 and above	47.75	47.75
Deduction for direct payments
Deductions from JSA (IB) arrears of housing, fuel and water costs council tax and fines default, and	2.75	2.80
Deductions for Child Maintenance
deductions for child maintenance (standard)	5.50	5.60
deductions for child maintenance (lower)	2.75	2.80
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant	2.75	2.80
court order against couple	4.30	4.40
Third party deductions
personal expenses allowance	17.50	18.10
Deductions from JSA (continued)
Arrears of Community Charge, Council Tax, fines & overpayment recovery
Age 16–17	10.96	11.16
Age 18–24	14.41	14.68
Age 25 +	18.21	18.55
Maximum deduction for arrears of Child Support Maintenance
Age 16–17	10.96	11.16
Age 18–24	14.41	14.68
Age 25 +	18.21	18.55
Maximium rates for recovery of overpayments in JSA(ib)
ordinary overpayments	8.25	8.40
where claimant convicted of fraud	10.80	11.20
Reduction in benefit for strikers	29.50	30.00
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 (care home)	16,000.00	16,000.00
amount disregarded (care home)	10,000.00	10,000.00
upper limit (claimant/partner 60 or over)	12,000.00	12,000.00
amount disregarded (claimant/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 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	9.65	9.80
MATERNITY ALLOWANCE
Standard rate	100.00	102.80
MA threshold	30.00	30.00
PENSION CREDIT
Standard minimum guarantee
single	102.10	105.45
couple	155.80	160.95
Additional amount for severe disability
single	42.95	44.15
couple (one qualifies)	42.95	44.15
couple (both qualify)	85.90	88.30
Additional amount for carers	25.10	25.55
Savings credit
threshold—single	77.45	79.60
threshold—couple	123.80	127.25
maximum—single	14.79	15.51
maximum—couple	19.20	20.22
Capital
Amount disregard	6,000.00	6,000.00
Amount disregard—care homes	10,000.00	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	7.40
— aged 18 or over and in work:
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
— gross income: less than £97	7.40	7.40
— gross income: £97 to £143.99	17.00	17.00
— gross income: £144 to £185.99	23.35	23.35
— gross income: £186 to £246.99	38.20	38.20
— gross income: £247 to £307.99	43.50	43.50
— gross income: £308 and above	47.75	47.75
Amount for claimant and first spouse in polygamous marriage	155.80	160.95
Additional amount for additional spouse	53.70	55.50
Disregards
Standard earnings	5.00	5.00
Couples earnings	10.00	10.00
Higher earnings	20.00	20.00
War disablement pension and War widows pension	10.00	10.00
Widowed Parent's Allowance	10.00	10.00
Income from subtenants	20.00	20.00
Income from boarders (disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50% of the balance of the charge)	20.00	20.00
Third Party Deductions
arrears of housing, fuel, water costs, council tax and fines default	2.75	2.80
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant	2.75	2.80
court order against couple	4.30	4.40
Maximum rates of recovery of overpayments
— ordinary overpayments	8.25	8.40
— where claimant convicted of fraud	10.80	11.20
Third party deductions personal expenses allowance	17.50	18.10
	PNEUMOCONIOSIS, BYSSINOSIS, AND MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES SCHEME AND THE WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION (SUPPLEMENTATION)
Total disablement allowance and major incapacity allowance (maximum)	116.80	120.10
Partial disablement allowance	43.15	44.35
Unemployability supplement plus where appropriate increases for early incapacity	72.15	74.15
higher rate	15.15	15.55
middle rate	9.70	10.00
lower rate	4.85	5.00
Constant attendance allowance
exceptional rate	93.60	96.20
intermediate rate	70.20	72.15
normal maximum rate	46.80	48.10
part-time rate	23.40	24.05
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance	46.80	48.10
Lesser incapacity allowance
maximum rate of allowance	43.15	44.35
based on loss of earnings over	57.20	58.80
RETIREMENT PENSION
Category A or B	77.45	79.60
Category B (lower)—husband's insurance	46.35	47.65
Category C or D—non-contributory	46.35	47.65
Category C (lower)—non-contributory	27.70	28.50
Additional pension		Increase by2.8%
Increments to:		Increase by
Basic pension		2.8%
Additional pension		2.8%
Increase to AP where Contracted out deduction (COD) relates to pre-April 1988 earnings		2.8%
Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB)		2.8%
Increase to AP where COD relates to April 1988– April 1997 earnings [3.0% paid by schemes]		Nil
Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit)	0.0937	0.0963
Graduated Retirement Benefit (Inherited)		Increase by2.8%
Addition at age 80	0.25	0.25
SEVERE DISABLEMENT ALLOWANCE
Basic rate	43.60	44.80
Age-related addition (from Dec 1990)
Higher rate	15.15	15.55
Middle rate	9.70	10.00
Lower rate	4.85	5.00
STATUTORY ADOPTION PAY
Earnings threshold	77.00	79.00
Rate	100.00	102.80
STATUTORY MATERNITY PAY
Earnings threshold	77.00	79.00
Standard rate	100.00	102.80
STATUTORY PATERNITY PAY
Earnings threshold	77.00	79.00
Rate	100.00	102.80
STATUTORY SICK PAY
Earnings threshold	77.00	79.00
Standard rate	64.35	66.15
WIDOW'S BENEFIT
Widowed mother's allowance	77.45	79.60
Widow's pension
standard rate	77.45	79.60
age-related
age 54 (49)	72.03	74.03
53 (48)	66.61	68.46
52 (47)	61.19	62.88
51 (46)	55.76	57.31
50 (45)	50.34	51.74
49 (44)	44.92	46.17
48 (43)	39.50	40.60
47 (42)	34.08	35.02
46 (41)	28.66	29.45
45 (40)	23.24	23.88
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	77.45	79.60
Bereavement Allowance
standard rate	77.45	79.60
age-related
age 54	72.03	74.03
53	66.61	68.46
52	61.19	62.88
51	55.76	57.31
50	50.34	51.74
49	44.92	46.17
48	39.50	40.60
47	34.08	35.02
46	28.66	29.45
45	23.24	23.88

11 Dec 2003 : Column 116WS

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