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INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Agriculture

The Secretary of State for International Development (Hilary Benn): I am placing in the Libraries of both Houses a copy of a new DFID policy paper, "Growth and poverty reduction; the role of agriculture".

The paper analyses the importance of agriculture for poverty reducing growth and shows why agriculture should be placed at the heart of efforts to reduce poverty. Increasing agricultural productivity can bring benefits to both producers and consumers. But of equal importance are agriculture's strong links with the wider economy.

The paper argues that reversing recent disappointing trends in agriculture's performance is critical if poor countries are to escape the trap of slow growth and poverty. This is particularly true in sub-Saharan Africa, where growth in agricultural output has barely kept pace with population. A major improvement in agriculture's performance in the world's poorest countries is possible and must be achieved if millions of people are to escape poverty.

The paper reaffirms the rationale for DFID support to agriculture and lays out the principles and priorities that should direct DFID's approach. Seven priority areas for action are identified. They are to: create policies and procedures that support agriculture; target public spending more effectively; tackle market failure; fill the agricultural finance gap; spread the benefits of new technology; improve access to land and secure property rights; and reduce distortions in international agricultural markets.
 
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NORTHERN IRELAND

Post-primary Education

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Angela E. Smith): I have published a statement setting out the overall reform programme for post-primary education in Northern Ireland. This provides the context for the reforms and explains how the various elements fit together, including new admissions arrangements. Alongside this, I have published a summary of the responses to an earlier consultation on the new admission arrangements.

I have also launched a consultation on a proposal for a draft Education (Northern Ireland) Order which will give effect to key elements of the reforms. The consultation will run until 7 March 2006.

I have arranged for copies of these documents to be placed in the Library.

TRANSPORT

Longer and Heavier Goods Vehicles

The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Dr. Stephen Ladyman): I have received applications from two hauliers each wishing to trial a longer and heavier goods vehicle than is currently permitted. I have decided to refuse these applications.

Both vehicles exceed the current maximum length and weight limits of 18.75 m and 44 tonnes respectively. One applicant proposed to trial a vehicle 25.25 m in length weighing 60 tonnes, in common with moves elsewhere in Europe, while the other was expected to be 30.8 m and 84 tonnes.

While recognising that there are arguments both for and against, I have not been convinced that these vehicles are well suited to the UK at the present time, for a number of reasons. I have not seen clear evidence that longer and heavier vehicles (LHVs) would deliver economic benefit to the industry and in particular whether the benefits would come from increased mass, increased volume or both.

I believe that more work needs to be done to look at axle loadings for various designs of LHVs and the consequent impact on pavements, bridges and other infrastructure; and to estimate the costs of any reinforcement or remedial works.

The Department for Transport has examined video material showing prototype lorries turning and carrying out other manoeuvres and feels that more needs to be done to test their likely impact on traffic and to assess any constraints that might have to be placed on their usage. In particular I have noted that the previous increase in HGV weights to 44 tonnes had assumed that vehicles would be permitted to use the whole of the road network. If operation of LHVs in the UK were to depend on the designation of some form of "sub-network", as might be implied by access constraints, then the Department needs to study this premise and if correct assess the implications of creating such a sub-network.
 
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The freight and logistics industry is constantly changing so I have instructed officials at my Department to continue to monitor developments, and to carry out their studies in close liaison with the industry.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Social Security Benefit Uprating

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (John Hutton): The proposed rates of benefit for 2006 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 2006, 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.

	Rates	Rates
(Weekly rates unless otherwise shown)	2005	2006
ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE
higher rate	60.60	62.25
lower rate	40.55	41.65
CARER'S ALLOWANCE	45.70	46.95
COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT
Personal allowances
single
18 to 24	44.50	45.50
25 or over	56.20	57.45
lone parent—18 or over	56.20	57.45
couple—one or both over 18	88.15	90.10
dependent children
from birth to September following 16th birthday	43.88	45.58
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	43.88	45.58
pensioner (from October 2003)
single/lone parent—60–64	109.45	114.05
couple—one or both 60–64	167.05	174.05
single/lone parent—65 and over	125.90	131.95
couple—one or both 65 and over	188.60	197.65
Premiums
family	16.10	16.25
family (lone parent rate)	22.20	22.20
child under 1	10.50	10.50
pensioner
single	53.25	56.60
couple	78.90	83.95
pensioner (enhanced)
single	53.25	56.60
couple	78.90	83.95
pensioner (higher)
single	53.25	56.60
couple	78.90	83.95
disability
single	23.95	24.50
couple	34.20	34.95
enhanced disability premium single rate	11.70	11.95
disabled child rate	17.71	18.13
couple rate	16.90	17.25
severe disability
single	45.50	46.75
couple (lower rate)	45.50	46.75
couple (higher rate)	91.00	93.50
disabled child	43.89	45.08
carer	25.80	26.35
bereavement	25.85	26.80
Non-dependant deductions aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
— gross income: £338 or more	6.95	6.95
— gross income: £271–£337.99	5.80	5.80
— gross income: £157–£270.99	4.60	4.60
— gross income less than £157	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 £157	15% ofCouncilTax	15% ofCouncilTax
— £157 to £203.99	7.5% ofCouncilTax	7.5% ofCouncilTax
Capital
upper limit	16,000.00	16,000.00
amount disregarded	3,000.00	6,000.00
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 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	175.00	175.00
childcare charges (2 or more children)	300.00	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	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
additional earnings disregard	14.50	14.90
Expenses for subtenants
furnished or unfurnished	4.00	4.00
where heating is included, additional	10.55	11.95
DEPENDENCY INCREASES
Adult Dependency Increases for spouse or person looking after children, with;
state pension on own insurance,	49.15	50.50
long term incapacity benefit, unemployability supplement	45.70	46.95
severe disablement allowance	27.50	28.25
carers allowance	27.30	28.05
short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary over state pension age	43.95	45.15
maternity allowance/short-term incapacity benefit	35.65	36.60
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	60.60	62.25
Middle	40.55	41.65
Lowest	16.05	16.50
Mobility Component
Higher	42.30	43.45
Lower	16.05	16.50
EARNINGS RULES
Carers Allowance	82.00	84.00
Limit of earnings from councillor's allowance	78.00	81.00(from1 Oct 05)
Permitted work earnings limit	78.00	81.00(from1 Oct 05)
Industrial injuries unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount)	4,056.00	4,212.00(from1 Oct 05)
Adult dependency increases with short-term incapacity benefit where claimant is
(a) under state pension age	35.65	36.60
(b) over state pension age	43.95	45.15
maternity allowance	35.65	36.60
state pension, long-term incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, unemployability supplement where dependant
(a) is living with claimant	56.20	57.45
(b) still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule	45.09	45.09
state pension,	49.15	50.50
long-term incapacity benefit and unemployability supplement where dependant not living with claimant	45.70	46.95
severe disablement allowance where dependant not living with claimant	27.50	28.25
carers allowance	27.30	28.05
Child dependency increases level at which CDIs are affected by earnings of claimant's spouse or partner
for first child	170.00	175.00
for each subsequent child	22.00	23.00
HOUSING BENEFIT
Personal allowances
single
16 to 24	44.50	45.50
25 or over	56.20	57.45
lone parent
under 18	44.50	45.50
18 or over	56.20	57.45
couple
both under 18	67.15	68.65
one or both 18 or over	88.15	90.10
dependent children
from birth to September following16th birthday	43.88	45.58
from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday	43.88	45.58
pensioner (from October 2003)
single lone parent—60–64	109.45	114.05
couple—one or both 60–64	167.05	174.05
single/lone parent—65 and over	125.90	131.95
couple—one or both 65 and over	188.60	197.65
Premiums
family	16.10	16.25
family (lone parent rate)	22.20	22.20
child under 1	10.50	10.50
pensioner
single	53.25	56.60
couple	78.90	83.95
pensioner (enhanced)
single	53.25	56.60
couple	78.90	83.95
pensioner (higher)
single	53.25	56.60
couple	78.90	83.95
disability
single	23.95	24.50
couple	34.20	34.95
enhanced disability premium single rate	11.70	11.95
disabled child rate	17.71	18.13
couple rate	16.90	17.25
severe disability
single	45.50	46.75
couple (lower rate)	45.50	46.75
couple (higher rate)	91.00	93.50
disabled child	43.89	45.08
carer	25.80	26.35
bereavement	25.85	26.80
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 £106	7.40	7.40
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
— gross income: less than £106	7.40	7.40
— gross income: £106 to £156.99	17.00	17.00
— gross income: £157 to £203.99	23.35	23.35
— gross income: £204 to £270.99	38.20	38.20
— gross income: £271 to £337.99	43.50	43.50
— gross income: £388 and above	47.75	47.75
Service charges for fuel
heating	10.55	11.95
hot water	1.25	1.40
lighting	0.85	0.95
cooking	1.25	1.40
Amount ineligible for meals
three or more meals a day
single claimant	20.05	20.50
each person in family aged 16 or over	20.05	20.50
each child under 16	10.15	10.35
less than three meals a day
single claimant	13.35	13.65
each person in family aged 16 or over	13.35	13.65
each child under 16	6.70	6.85
breakfast only—claimant and each memberof family	2.45	2.50
Capital
upper limit	16,000.00	16,000.00
amount disregarded	3,000.00	6,000.00
upper limit (claimant/partner 60 or over)	16,000.00	16,000.00
upper limit (PC guarantee) from October 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 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	175.50	175.00
childcare charges (2 or more children)	300.00	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	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
additional earnings disregard	14.50	14.90
Expenses for subtenants
furnished or unfurnished	4.00	4.00
where heating is included, additional	10.55	11.95
Maximium rates for recovery of overpayments
ordinary overpayments	8.55	8.70
where claimant convicted of fraud	11.20	11.60
INCAPACITY BENEFIT
Long-term Incapacity Benefit	76.45	78.50
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under pension age)
lower rate	57.65	59.20
higher rate	68.20	70.05
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over state pension age)
lower rate	73.35	75.35
higher rate	76.45	78.50
Increase of Long-term Incapacity Benefit for age
higher rate	16.05	16.50
lower rate	8.05	8.25
Invalidity Allowance (Transitional)
higher rate	16.05	16.50
middle rate	10.30	10.60
lower rate	5.15	5.30
INCOME SUPPORT
Personal Allowances
single
under 18—usual rate	33.85	34.60
under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	44.50	45.50
18 to 24	44.50	45.50
25 or over	56.20	57.45
lone parent
under 18—usual rate	33.85	34.60
under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	44.50	45.50
18 or over	56.20	57.45
couple
both under 18	33.85	34.60
both under 18, one disabled	44.50	45.50
both under 18, with responsibility for a child	67.15	68.65
one under 18, one 18–24	44.50	45.50
one under 18, one 25+	56.20	57.45
both 18 or over	88.15	90.10
dependent children
birth to September following 16th birthday	43.88	45.58
from September following 16th birthday to day before 20th birthday	43.88	45.58
Premiums
family	16.10	16.25
family (lone parent rate)	16.10	16.25
pensioner couple	78.90	83.95
pensioner (enhanced) couple	78.90	83.95
pensioner (higher) couple	78.90	83.95
disability
single	23.95	24.50
couple	34.20	34.95
enhanced disability premium single rate	11.70	11.95
disabled child rate	17.71	18.13
couple rate	16.90	17.25
severe disability
single	45.50	46.75
couple (lower rate)	45.50	46.75
couple (higher rate)	91.00	93.50
disabled child	43.89	45.08
carer	25.80	26.35
bereavement	25.85	26.80
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 £106	7.40	7.40
— gross income: £106 to £156.99	17.00	17.00
— gross income: £157 to £203.99	23.35	23.35
— gross income: £204 to £270.99	38.20	38.20
— gross income: £271 to £337.99	43.50	43.50
— gross income: £338 and above	47.75	47.75
Deduction for direct payments, arrears of housing, fuel and water costs, council tax, and	2.85	2.90
deductions for child maintenance (standard)	5.70	5.80
deductions for child maintenance (lower)	2.85	2.90
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant	2.85	2.90
court order against couple	4.45	4.55
Third party deductions personal expenses allowance	18.80	19.60
Third party deductions for fine or compensation order
standard rate	5.00	5.00
low rate	2.85	2.90
Maximium rates for recovery of overpayments
ordinary overpayments	8.55	8.70
where claimant convicted of fraud	11.20	11.60
Reduction in benefit for strikers	30.50	31.00
Capital
upper limit	8,000.00	16,000.00
amount disregarded	3,000.00	6,000.00
upper limit (partner 60 or over)	12,000.00	16,000.00
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	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	10.55	11.95
INDUSTRIAL DEATH BENEFIT
Widow's pension
higher rate	82.05	84.25
lower rate	24.62	25.28
Widower's pension	82.05	84.25
INDUSTRIAL INJURIES DISABLEMENT PENSION
18 and over, or under 18 with dependants
100%	123.80	127.10
90%	111.42	114.39
80%	99.04	101.68
70%	86.66	88.97
60%	74.28	76.26
50%	61.90	63.55
40%	49.52	50.84
30%	37.14	38.13
20%	24.76	25.42
Under 18
100%	75.85	77.90
90%	68.27	70.11
80%	60.68	62.32
70%	53.10	54.53
60%	45.51	46.74
50%	37.93	38.95
40%	30.34	31.16
30%	22.76	23.37
20%	15.17	15.58
Maximum life gratuity (lump sum)	8,230.00	8,450.00
Unemployability Supplement	76.45	78.50
plus where appropriate an increase for early incapacity
higher rate	16.05	16.50
middle rate	10.30	10.60
lower rate	5.15	5.30
Maximum reduced earnings allowance	49.52	50.84
Maximum retirement allowance	12.38	12.71
Constant attendance allowance
exceptional rate	99.20	101.80
intermediate rate	74.40	76.35
normal maximum rate	49.60	50.90
part-time rate	24.80	25.45
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance	49.60	50.90
JOBSEEKERS ALLOWANCE
Contribution based JSA—Personal rates
under 18	33.85	34.60
18 to 24	44.50	45.50
25 or over	56.20	57.45
Income-based JSA—personal allowances
under 18	33.85	34.60
18 to 24	44.50	45.50
25 or over	56.20	57.45
lone parent
under 18—usual rate	33.85	34.60
under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances	44.50	45.50
18 or over	56.20	57.45
couple
both under 18	33.85	34.60
both under 18, one disabled	44.50	45.50
both under 18, with responsibility for a child	67.15	68.65
one under 18, one 18–24	44.50	45.50
one under 18, one 25+	56.20	57.45
both 18 or over	88.15	90.10
dependent children from birth to September following 16th birthday	43.88	45.58
from September following 16th birthday to day before 20th birthday	43.88	45.58
Premiums
family	16.10	16.25
family (lone parent rate)	16.10	16.25
pensioner
single	53.25	56.60
couple	78.90	83.95
pensioner (enhanced) couple	78.90	83.95
pensioner (higher)
single	53.25	56.60
couple	78.90	83.95
disability
single	23.95	24.50
couple	34.20	34.95
enhanced disability premium single rate	11.70	11.95
disabled child rate	17.71	18.13
couple rate	16.90	17.25
severe disability
single	45.50	46.75
couple (lower rate)	45.50	46.75
couple (higher rate)	91.00	93.50
disabled child	43.89	45.08
carer	25.80	26.35
bereavement	25.85	26.80
Housing costs
deductions 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 £106	7.40	7.40
— gross income: £106 to £156.99	17.00	17.00
— gross income: £157 to £203.99	23.35	23.35
— gross income: £204 to £270.99	38.20	38.20
— gross income: £271 to £337.99	43.50	43.50
— gross income: £338 and above	47.75	47.75
Deduction for direct payments
Deductions from JSA (IB) arrears of housing, fuel and water costs, council tax, and	2.85	2.90
Deductions for Child Maintenance
deductions for child maintenance (standard)	5.70	5.80
deductions for child maintenance (lower)	2.85	2.90
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant	2.85	2.90
court order against couple	4.45	4.55
Third party deductions
personal expenses allowance	18.80	19.60
Deductions from JSA (continued)
Arrears of Community Charge, Council Tax, fines and overpayment recovery
Age 16–17	11.28	11.53
Age 18–24	14.83	15.16
Age 25 +	18.73	19.15
Maximum deduction for arrears of Child Support Maintenance
Age 16–17	11.28	11.53
Age 18–24	14.83	15.16
Age 25 +	18.73	19.15
Third party deduction for fine or compensation order
standard rate	5.00	5.00
lower rate	2.85	2.90
Maximium rates for recovery of overpayments in JSA (IB)
ordinary overpayments	8.55	8.70
where claimant convicted of fraud	11.20	11.60
Reduction in benefit for strikers	30.50	31.00
Capital
upper limit	8,000.00	16,000.00
amount disregarded	3,000.00	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
upper limit (partner 60 or over)	12,000.00	16,000.00
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	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	10.55	11.95
MATERNITY ALLOWANCE
Standard rate	106.00	108.85
MA threshold	30.00	30.00
PENSION CREDIT
Standard minimum guarantee
single	109.45	114.05
couple	167.05	174.05
Additional amount for severe disability
single	45.50	46.75
couple (one qualifies)	45.50	46.75
couple (both qualify)	91.00	93.50
Additional amount for carers	25.80	26.35
Savings credit
threshold—single	82.05	84.25
threshold—couple	131.20	134.75
maximum—single	16.44	17.88
maximum—couple	21.51	23.58
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, in receipt of IS/JSA(IB) and over 25	7.40	7.40
— aged 18 or over and in work:
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
— gross income: less than £106	7.40	7.40
— gross income: £106 to £156.99	17.00	17.00
— gross income: £157 to £203.99	23.35	23.35
— gross income: £204 to £270.99	38.20	38.20
— gross income: £271 to £337.99	43.50	43.50
— gross income: £338 and above	47.75	47.75
Amount for claimant and first spouse in polygamous marriage	167.05	174.05
Additional amount for additional spouse	57.60	60.00
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	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	2.85	2.90
Arrears of Community Charge
court order against claimant	2.85	2.90
court order against couple	4.45	4.55
Maximum rates of recovery of overpayments
— ordinary overpayments	8.55	8.70
— where claimant convicted of fraud	11.20	11.60
Third party deductions personal expenses allowance	18.80	19.60
PNEUMOCONIOSIS, BYSSINOSIS, AND MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES SCHEME AND THE WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION (SUPPLEMENTATION)
Total disablement allowance and major incapacity allowance (maximum)	123.80	127.10
Partial disablement allowance	45.70	46.95
Unemployability supplement plus where appropriate increases for early incapacity	76.45	78.50
higher rate	16.05	16.50
middle rate	10.30	10.60
lower rate	5.15	5.30
Constant attendance allowance
exceptional rate	99.20	101.80
intermediate rate	74.40	76.35
normal maximum rate	49.60	50.90
part-time rate	24.80	25.45
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance	49.60	50.90
Lesser incapacity allowance
maximum rate of allowance	45.70	46.95
based on loss of earnings over	60.60	62.25
STATE PENSION
Category A or B	82.05	84.25
Category B (lower)—husband's insurance	49.15	50.50
Category C or D—non-contributory	49.15	50.50
Category C (lower)—non-contributory	29.40	30.20
Additional pension		Increase by:2.7%
Increments to:		Increase by:
Basic pension		2.7%
Additional pension		2.7%
Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB)		2.7%
Inheritable lump sum		2.7%
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		2.7%
Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit)	0.0993	0.1020
Graduated Retirement Benefit (Inherited)		Increase by:2.7%
Addition at age 80	0.25	0.25
SEVERE DISABLEMENT ALLOWANCE
Basic rate	46.20	47.45
Age-related addition (from December 1990)
Higher rate	16.05	16.50
Middle rate	10.30	10.60
Lower rate	5.15	5.30
STATUTORY ADOPTION PAY
Earnings threshold	82.00	84.00
Rate	106.00	108.85
STATUTORY MATERNITY PAY
Earnings threshold	82.00	84.00
Standard rate	106.00	108.85
STATUTORY PATERNITY PAY
Earnings threshold	82.00	84.00
Rate	106.00	108.85
STATUTORY SICK PAY
Earnings threshold	82.00	84.00
Standard rate	68.20	70.05
WIDOW'S BENEFIT
Widowed mother's allowance	82.05	84.25
Widow's pension
standard rate	82.05	84.25
age-related
age 54 (49)	76.31	78.35
53 (48)	70.56	72.46
52 (47)	64.82	66.56
51 (46)	59.08	60.66
50 (45)	53.33	54.76
49 (44)	47.59	48.87
48 (43)	41.85	42.97
47 (42)	36.10	37.07
46 (41)	30.36	31.17
45 (40)	24.62	25.28
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	82.05	84.25
Bereavement Allowance
standard rate	82.05	84.25
age-related
age 54	76.31	78.35
53	70.56	72.46
52	64.82	66.56
51	59.08	60.66
50	53.33	54.76
49	47.59	48.87
48	41.85	42.97
47	36.10	37.07
46	30.36	31.17
45	24.62	25.28

 
7 Dec 2005 : Column 112WS
 

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