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TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Nuclear Decommissioning Funding Account

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Ms Patricia Hewitt): I am making this statement as required by section 31(6) of the Energy Act 2004 ("the Act") to coincide with the issuing of the ministerial directions giving the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) its designated responsibilities under the Act. The statement reflects the transitional funding arrangements for the NDA that will be put in place to allow it to get on with its work during the EC Commission investigation into notified state aid to the NDA.
 
7 Dec 2004 : Column 85WS
 

In determining the amounts to be credited to the Nuclear Decommissioning Funding Account ("NDFA") under section 31(4)(c) of the Act, the following policy applies:

Basis upon which determinations for the purposes of section 31(4)(c) are to be made

1. Pending the outcome of the European Commission's investigation announced on 1 December 2004 into the UK Government's establishment of the NDA, the basis on which any determinations for the purposes of section 31(4)(c) are to be made will be to credit to the NDFA such amounts as are sufficient to provide a sound basis for funding the NDA's activities consistent with:

(a) the requirement that no new state resources shall be made available to the NDA for operating, cleaning up or decommissioning in respect of any of the economic activities of the NDA which are the subject of the Commission's investigation; and
(b) the requirement that no advantage shall be conferred on BNFL or its successor companies pending the outcome of the Commission's investigation, and in particular that the net asset position of BNFL and the group of companies of which it forms part must not be improved.

2. The amount of any determination for the purposes of section 31(4)(c) in relation to any financial year shall be the sum of the following elements:

(a) an amount equal to the value of any assets taken out of BNFL's existing resources comprising the nuclear liabilities investment portfolio ("NLIP") by way of any nuclear transfer scheme which takes effect under section 42 of the Act during that financial year;
(b) in respect of the NDA's responsibilities in relation to sites operated by UKAEA as at the date of this statement, and nuclear liabilities for which responsibility is, as at the date of this statement, accepted by UKAEA, such amount as is appropriate within the Department of Trade and Industry's relevant expenditure limit;
(c) in respect of the NDA's responsibilities in relation to nuclear liabilities for which responsibility was formerly accepted by the Ministry of Defence but is, as at the date of this statement, accepted by the Department of Trade and Industry, such amount as is appropriate within the Department of Trade and Industry's relevant expenditure limit.

3. To the extent that the assets referred to in paragraph 2(a) above do not comprise cash, their value is to be determined as at the date upon which the transfer scheme whereby they are transferred takes effect.

The minimum credit balance of the NDFA

4. For the purposes of section 31(7)(b) of the Act, the minimum credit balance of the NDFA shall be £1.

5. The basis on which this determination has been made is that the sums to be comprised in the determination in any financial year in accordance with paragraph 2 above (combined with any other amounts credited under section 31(4)(a), (c) or (d)) are expected to be sufficient to fund the NDA's activities during the financial year in question, but no more. It is intended
 
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that grants made under section 22(1) of the Act will be subject to conditions under section 22(2) which will restrict the use of sums drawn against the credits referred to in paragraphs 2(b) and (c) above to the matters respectively referred to in those paragraphs. To the extent that I conclude that further funding can and should be made available to the NDA in any given year (pending the outcome of the Commission's investigation) other than in respect of the matters referred to in paragraphs 2(b) and (c), further amounts will (if appropriate) be transferred from the NLIP and any determination which has been made under section 31(4)(c) of the Act will be revised such that corresponding credits will be made to the NDFA. Amounts equal to these credits will then be remitted to the NDA by way of grant under section 22(1) of the Act.

6. The figure of £1 will allow the maximum amount to be remitted to the NDA by way of grant under section 22(1) of the Act while still leaving a credit balance in the account.

Interpretation

7. In this statement, unless the context otherwise requires, expressions defined in the Act have the meanings given to them by the Act.

8. In addition, the following expressions have the following meanings:

economic activities means the provision of services hitherto undertaken by companies in the BNFL group that might in principle have been provided by a private sector entity, given the existence of a commercial market place and the potential for profit making. NDA's responsibilities in relation to "economic activities" will include responsibilities in respect of economic nuclear liabilities; economic nuclear liabilities means those nuclear liabilities which exist or may come into existence in respect of sites operated as at the date of thisstatement by companies in the BNFL group, excluding those nuclear liabilities referred to in paragraphs 2(b) and (c) above.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Social Security Benefits Uprating

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Alan Johnson): The proposed rates of benefit for 2005 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 2005, this will be the week beginning 11 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)	2004	2005
ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE
higher rate	58.80	60.60
lower rate	39.35	40.55
CARER'S ALLOWANCE	44.35	45.70
COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT
Personal allowances
single
18 to 24	44.05	44.50
25 or over	55.65	56.20
lone parent—18 or over	55.65	56.20
couple—one or both over 18	87.30	88.15
Dependent Children
from birth to September following 16th birthday	42.27	43.88
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	42.27	43.88
Pensioner (from October 2003)
single/lone parent—60–64	105.45	109.45
couple—one or both 60–64	160.95	167.05
single/lone parent—65 and over	121.00	125.90
couple—one or both 65 and over	181.20	188.60
Premiums
family	15.95	16.10
family (lone parent rate)	22.20	22.20
child under 1	10.50	10.50
pensioner
single	49.80	53.25
couple	73.65	78.90
pensioner (enhanced)
single	49.80	53.25
couple	73.65	78.90
pensioner (higher)
single	49.80	53.25
couple	73.65	78.90
disability
single	23.70	23.95
couple	33.85	34.20
enhanced disability premium single rate	11.60	11.70
disabled child rate	17.08	17.71
couple rate	16.75	16.90
severe disability
single	44.15	45.50
couple (lower rate)	44.15	45.50
couple (higher rate)	88.30	91.00
disabled child	42.49	43.89
carer	25.55	25.80
bereavement	23.95	25.85
Allowance for personal expenses for claimantsin hospital
higher rate	19.90	20.50
lower rate	15.90	16.40
Non-dependant deductions aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
— gross income: £322 or more	6.95	6.95
— gross income: £258–£321.99	5.80	5.80
— gross income: £150–£257.99	4.60	4.60
— gross income less than £150	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 £150	15% ofCouncilTax	15% ofCouncilTax
— £150 to £193.99	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 (claiment/partner 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 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	135.00	175.00
childcare charges (2 or more children)	200.00	300.00
Other income disregards
maintenance disregard	15.00	15.00
war disablement pension and war widow's pension	10.00	10.00
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme		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	12.32	14.50
Expenses for subtenants
furnished or unfurnished	4.00	4.00
where heating is included, additional	9.80	10.55
DEPENDENCY INCREASES
Adult Dependency Increases for spouse or person looking after children, with;
state pension on own insurance,	47.65	49.15
long term incapacity benefit, unemployability supplement	44.35	45.70
severe disablement allowance	26.65	27.50
carers allowance	26.50	27.30
short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary over state pension age	42.65	43.95
maternity allowance/short-term incapacity benefit	34.60	35.65
Child Dependency Increases, with;
state pension, widowed mothers allowance, widowed parents allowance, short-term incapacity benefit at the higher rate and 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 £3.65 from April 2004) 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	58.80	60.60
Middle	39.35	40.55
Lowest	15.55	16.05
Mobility Component
Higher	41.05	42.30
Lower	15.55	16.05
EARNINGS RULES
Carers Allowance	79.00	82.00
Limit of earnings from councillor's allowance	72.00	78.00
Permitted work earnings limit	72.00	78.00
Industrial injuries unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount)	3,744.00	4,056.00
Adult dependency increases with short-term incapacity benefit where claimant is
(a) under state pension age	34.60	35.65
(b) over pension age	42.65	43.95
maternity allowance	34.60	35.65
state pension, long-term incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, unemployability supplement where dependant
(a) is living with claimant	55.65	56.20
(b) still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule	45.09	45.09
state pension,	47.65	49.15
long-term incapacity benefit and unemployability supplement where dependant not living with claimant	44.35	45.70
severe disablement allowance where dependant not living with claimant	26.65	27.50
carers allowance	26.50	27.30
Child dependency increases level at which CDIs are affected by earnings of claimant's spouse or partner
for first child	165.00	170.00
for each subsequent child	21.00	22.00
HOSPITAL DOWNRATING
20% rate	15.90	16.40
38% rate	30.25	31.20
HOUSING BENEFIT
Personal allowances
single
16 to 24	44.05	44.50
25 or over	55.65	56.20
lone parent
under 18	44.05	44.50
18 or over	55.65	56.20
couple
both under 18	66.50	67.15
one or both 18 or over	87.30	88.15
dependent children
from birth to September following16th birthday	42.27	43.88
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	42.27	43.88
pensioner (from October 2003)
single lone parent—60–64	105.45	109.45
couple—one or both 60–64	160.95	167.05
single/lone parent—65 and over	121.00	125.90
couple—one or both 65 and over	181.20	188.60
Premiums
family	15.95	16.10
family (lone parent rate)	22.20	22.20
child under 1	10.50	10.50
pensioner
single	49.80	53.25
couple	73.65	78.90
pensioner (enhanced)
single	49.80	53.25
couple	73.65	78.90
pensioner (higher)
single	49.80	53.25
couple	73.65	78.90
disability
single	23.70	23.95
couple	33.85	16.90
enhanced disability premium single rate	11.60	11.70
disabled child rate	17.08	17.71
couple rate	16.75	16.90
severe disability
single	44.15	45.50
couple (lower rate)	44.15	45.50
couple (higher rate)	88.30	91.00
disabled child	42.49	43.89
carer	25.55	25.80
bereavement	23.95	25.85
Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital
higher rate	19.90	20.50
lower rate	15.90	16.40
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
— gross income less than £101	7.40	7.40
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
— gross income: less than £101	7.40	7.40
— gross income: £101 to £149.99	17.00	17.00
— gross income: £150 to £193.99	23.35	23.35
— gross income: £194 to £257.99	38.20	38.20
— gross income: £258 to £321.99	43.50	43.50
— gross income: £322 and above	47.75	47.75
Service charges for fuel
heating	9.80	10.55
hot water	1.20	1.25
lighting	0.80	0.85
cooking	1.20	1.25
Amount ineligible for meals
three or more meals a day
single claimant	19.85	20.05
each person in family aged 16 or over	19.85	20.05
each child under 16	10.05	10.15
less than three meals a day
single claimant	13.20	13.35
each person in family aged 16 or over	13.20	13.35
each child under 16	6.55	6.70
breakfast only—claimant and each memberof family	2.45	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	135.50	175.00
childcare charges (2 or more children)	200.00	300.00
Other income disregards
maintenance disregard	15.00	15.00
war disablement pension and war widow's pension	10.00	10.00
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme		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	12.32	14.50
Expenses for subtenants
furnished or unfurnished	4.00	4.00
where heating is included, additional	9.80	10.55
Maximium rates for recovery of overpayments
ordinary overpayments	8.40	8.55
where claimant convicted of fraud	11.20	11.20
INCAPACITY BENEFIT
Long-term Incapacity Benefit	74.15	76.45
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under pension age)
lower rate	55.90	57.65
higher rate	66.15	68.20
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over state pension age)
lower rate	71.15	73.35
higher rate	74.15	76.45
Increase of Long-term Incapacity Benefit for age
higher rate	15.55	16.05
lower rate	7.80	8.05
Invalidity Allowance (Transitional)
higher rate	15.55	16.05
middle rate	10.00	10.30
lower rate	5.00	5.15
INCOME SUPPORT
Personal Allowances
single
under 18—usual rate	33.50	33.85
under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	44.05	44.50
18 to 24	44.05	44.50
25 or over	55.65	56.20
lone parent
under 18—usual rate	33.50	33.85
under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	44.05	44.50
18 or over	55.65	56.20
couple
both under 18	33.50	33.85
both under 18, one disabled	44.05	44.50
both under 18, with responsibility for a child	66.50	67.15
one under 18, one 18–24	44.05	44.50
one under 18, one 25+	55.65	56.20
both 18 or over	87.30	88.15
dependent children
birth to September following 16th birthday	42.27	43.88
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	42.27	43.88
Premiums
family	15.95	16.10
family (lone parent rate)	15.95	16.10
pensioner couple	73.65	78.90
pensioner (enhanced) couple	73.65	78.90
pensioner (higher) couple	73.65	78.90
disability
single	23.70	23.95
couple	33.85	34.20
enhanced disability premium single rate	11.60	11.70
disabled child rate	17.08	17.71
couple rate	16.75	16.90
severe disability
single	44.15	45.50
couple (lower rate)	44.15	45.50
couple (higher rate)	88.30	91.00
disabled child	42.49	43.89
carer	25.55	25.80
bereavement	23.95	25.85
Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in hospital:
higher rate	19.90	20.50
lower rate	15.90	16.40
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	7.40	7.40
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
— gross income: less than £101	7.40	7.40
— gross income: £101 to £149.99	17.00	17.00
— gross income: £150 to £193.99	23.35	23.35
— gross income: £194 to £257.99	38.20	38.20
— gross income: £258 to £321.99	43.50	43.50
— gross income: £322 and above	47.75	47.75
Deduction for direct payments, arrears of housing, fuel and water costs, council tax and fines default, and	2.80	2.85
Deductions for child maintenance (standard)	5.60	5.70
Deductions for child maintenance (lower)	2.80	2.85
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant	2.80	2.85
court order against couple	4.40	4.45
Third party deductions personal expenses allowance	18.10	18.80
Maximium rates for recovery of overpayments
ordinary overpayments	8.40	8.55
where claimant convicted of fraud	11.20	11.20
Reduction in benefit for strikers	30.00	30.50
Capital
upper limit	8,000.00	8,000.00
amount disregarded	3,000.00	3,000.00
upper limit (partner 60 or over)	12,000.00	12,000.00
amount disregarded (partner 60 or over)	6,000.00	6,000.00
child's limit	3,000.00	3,000.00
upper limit (RC/NH)	16,000.00	16,000.00
amount disregarded (RC/NH)	10,000.00	10,000.00
Tariff income £1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
Disregards
standard earnings	5.00	5.00
couples earnings	10.00	10.00
higher earnings	20.00	20.00
war disablement pension and war widow's pension	10.00	10.00
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme		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	9.80	10.55
INDUSTRIAL DEATH BENEFIT
Widow's pension
higher rate	79.60	82.05
lower rate	23.88	24.62
Widower's pension	79.60	82.05
INDUSTRIAL INJURIES DISABLEMENT PENSION
18 and over, or under 18 with dependants
100%	120.10	123.80
90%	108.09	111.42
80%	96.08	99.04
70%	84.07	86.66
60%	72.06	74.28
50%	60.05	61.90
40%	48.04	49.52
30%	36.03	37.14
20%	24.02	24.76
Under 18
100%	73.55	75.85
90%	66.20	68.27
80%	58.84	60.68
70%	51.49	53.10
60%	44.13	45.51
50%	36.78	37.93
40%	29.42	30.34
30%	22.07	22.76
20%	14.71	15.17
Maximum life gratuity (lump sum)	7,980.00	8,230.00
Unemployability Supplement	74.15	76.45
plus where appropriate an increase for early incapacity
higher rate	15.55	16.05
middle rate	10.00	10.30
lower rate	5.00	5.15
Maximum reduced earnings allowance	48.04	49.52
Maximum retirement allowance	12.01	12.38
Constant attendance allowance
exceptional rate	96.20	99.20
intermediate rate	72.15	74.40
normal maximum rate	48.10	49.60
part-time rate	24.05	24.80
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance	48.10	49.60
JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE
Contribution based JSA—Personal rates
under 18	33.50	33.85
18 to 24	44.05	44.50
25 or over	55.65	56.20
Income-based JSA—personal allowances
under 18	33.50	33.85
18 to 24	44.05	44.50
25 or over	55.65	56.20
lone parent
under 18—usual rate	33.50	33.85
under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	44.05	44.50
18 or over	55.65	56.20
couple
both under 18	33.50	33.85
both under 18, one disabled	44.05	44.50
both under 18, with responsibility for a child	66.50	67.15
one under 18, one 18–24	44.05	44.50
one under 18, one 25+	55.65	56.20
both 18 or over	87.30	88.15
dependent children from birth to September following 16th birthday	42.27	43.88
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	42.27	43.88
Premiums
family	15.95	16.10
family (lone parent rate)	15.95	16.10
pensioner
single	49.80	53.25
couple	73.65	78.90
pensioner (enhanced) couple	73.65	78.90
pensioner (higher)
single	49.80	53.25
couple	73.65	78.90
disability
single	23.70	23.95
couple	33.85	34.20
enhanced disability premium single rate	11.60	11.70
disabled child rate	17.08	17.71
couple rate	16.75	16.90
severe disability
single	44.15	45.50
couple (lower rate)	44.15	45.50
couple (higher rate)	88.30	91.00
disabled child	42.49	43.89
carer	25.55	25.80
bereavement	23.95	25.85
Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in hospital
higher rate	19.35	20.50
lower rate	15.90	16.40
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	7.40	7.40
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
— gross income: less than £101	7.40	7.40
— gross income: £101 to £149.99	17.00	17.00
— gross income: £150 to £193.99	23.35	23.35
— gross income: £194 to £257.99	38.20	38.20
— gross income: £258 to £321.99	43.50	43.50
— gross income: £322 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	2.80	2.85
Deductions for Child Maintenance
deductions for child maintenance (standard)	5.60	5.70
deductions for child maintenance (lower)	2.80	2.85
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant	2.80	2.85
court order against couple	4.40	4.45
Third party deductions
personal expenses allowance	18.10	18.80
Deductions from JSA (continued)
Arrears of Community Charge, Council Tax, fines and overpayment recovery
Age 16–17	11.16	11.28
Age 18–24	14.68	14.83
Age 25 +	18.55	18.73
Maximum deduction for arrears of Child Support Maintenance
Age 16–17	11.16	11.28
Age 18–24	14.68	14.83
Age 25 +	18.55	18.73
Maximium rates for recovery of overpayments in JSA(ib)
ordinary overpayments	8.40	8.55
where claimant convicted of fraud	11.20	11.20
Reduction in benefit for strikers	30.00	30.50
Capital
upper limit	8,000.00	8,000.00
amount disregarded	3,000.00	3,000.00
child's limit	3,000.00	3,000.00
upper limit (RC/NH)	16,000.00	16,000.00
amount disregarded (RC/NH)	10,000.00	10,000.00
upper limit (partner 60 or over)	12,000.00	12,000.00
amount disregarded (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
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme		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	9.80	10.55
MATERNITY ALLOWANCE
Standard rate	102.80	106.00
MA threshold	30.00	30.00
PENSION CREDIT
Standard minimum guarantee
single	105.45	109.45
couple	160.95	167.05
Additional amount for severe disability
single	44.15	45.50
couple (one qualifies)	44.15	45.50
couple (both qualify)	88.30	91.00
Additional amount for carers	25.55	25.80
Savings credit
threshold—single	79.60	82.05
threshold—couple	127.25	131.20
maximum—single	15.51	16.44
maximum—couple	20.22	21.51
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 £101	7.40	7.40
— gross income: £101 to £149.99	17.00	17.00
— gross income: £150 to £193.99	23.35	23.35
— gross income: £194 to £257.99	38.20	38.20
— gross income: £258 to £321.99	43.50	43.50
— gross income: £322 and above	47.75	47.75
Amount for claimant and first spouse in polygamous marriage	160.95	167.05
Additional amount for additional spouse	55.50	57.60
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
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme		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	2.80	2.85
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant	2.80	2.85
court order against couple	4.40	4.45
Maximum rates of recovery of overpayments
— ordinary overpayments	8.40	8.55
— where claimant convicted of fraud	11.20	11.20
Third party deductions personal expenses allowance	18.10	8.80
PNEUMOCONIOSIS, BYSSINOSIS, AND MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES SCHEME AND THE WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION (SUPPLEMENTATION)
Total disablement allowance and major incapacity allowance (maximum)	120.10	123.80
Partial disablement allowance	44.35	45.70
Unemployability supplement plus where appropriate increases for early incapacity	74.15	76.45
higher rate	15.55	16.05
middle rate	10.00	10.30
lower rate	5.00	5.15
Constant attendance allowance
exceptional rate	96.20	99.20
intermediate rate	72.15	74.40
normal maximum rate	48.10	49.60
part-time rate	24.05	24.80
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance	48.10	49.60
Lesser incapacity allowance
maximum rate of allowance	44.35	45.70
based on loss of earnings over	58.80	60.60
STATE PENSION
Category A or B	79.60	82.05
Category B (lower)—husband's insurance	47.65	49.15
Category C or D—non-contributory	47.65	49.15
Category C (lower)—non-contributory	28.50	29.40
Additional pension		Increase by3.1%
Increments to:		Increase by
Basic pension		3.1%
Additional pension		3.1%
Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB)		3.1%
Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of pre-April 1988 contracted-out earnings		Nil
Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of contracted-out earnings from April 1988 to 1997		3.0%
Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit)	0.0963	0.0993
Graduated Retirement Benefit (Inherited)		Increase by3.1%
Addition at age 80	0.25	0.25
SEVERE DISABLEMENT ALLOWANCE
Basic rate	44.80	46.20
Age-related addition (from Dec 1990)
Higher rate	15.55	16.05
Middle rate	10.00	10.30
Lower rate	5.00	5.15
STATUTORY ADOPTION PAY
Earnings threshold	79.00	82.00
Rate	102.80	106.00
STATUTORY MATERNITY PAY
Earnings threshold	79.00	82.00
Standard rate	102.80	106.00
STATUTORY PATERNITY PAY
Earnings threshold	79.00	82.00
Rate	102.80	106.00
STATUTORY SICK PAY
Earnings threshold	79.00	82.00
Standard rate	66.15	68.20
WIDOW'S BENEFIT
Widowed mother's allowance	79.60	82.05
Widow's pension
standard rate	79.60	82.05
age-related
age 54 (49)	74.03	76.31
53 (48)	68.46	70.56
52 (47)	62.88	64.82
51 (46)	57.31	59.08
50 (45)	51.74	53.33
49 (44)	46.17	47.59
48 (43)	40.60	41.85
47 (42)	35.02	36.10
46 (41)	29.45	30.36
45 (40)	23.88	24.62
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	79.60	82.05
Bereavement Allowance
standard rate	79.60	82.05
age-related
age 54	74.03	76.31
53	68.46	70.56
52	62.88	64.82
51	57.31	59.08
50	51.74	53.33
49	46.17	47.59
48	40.60	41.85
47	35.02	36.10
46	29.45	30.36
45	23.88	24.62

 
7 Dec 2004 : Column 96WS
 

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