9 Dec 2013 : Column 1WS
Written Statements
Monday 9 December 2013
Defence
Central African Republic
The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond):
The Government are increasingly concerned about the deteriorating security situation and growing humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic. We are working with international partners, and through international organisations, to end the violence, deliver humanitarian support, and re-establish stability and security. As the Central African Republic is surrounded by countries that are still recovering or suffering from recent conflicts, engagement by the international community is vital to prevent a repetition of previous crises in the region. The scale of this challenge means that we must use all means at our disposal: our diplomatic networks, aid and trade, our political relations, and our military and security co-operation.
The Government have worked closely with France and other Security Council partners to agree a United Nations Security Council resolution on the Central African Republic; resolution 2127 was adopted on 5 December. UNSCR 2127 marks a critical step in restoring security and authorises the deployment of the African-led international support mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA). MISCA will contribute to: the protection of civilians; the vital restoration of security and public order; the stabilisation of the country; the restoration of state authority over the whole country; and the creation of conditions to enable the provision of humanitarian assistance. It also authorises French forces to take all necessary measures to support MISCA in the discharge of its mandate and, recognising the severity of the situation, imposes an arms embargo and encourages progress on the transitional arrangements initiated in Libreville on 11 January 2013.
Shortly after UNSCR 2127 was adopted, President Hollande announced that France would be launching operation Sangaris immediately, in conjunction with Africans and with the support of European partners. On 6 December, following this announcement and in response to a request from the Government of France to provide logistical support to their operation, the United Kingdom deployed a RAF C-17 transport aircraft to move French equipment to the Central African Republic. In the spirit of our strong bilateral relationship with France and in line with the undertakings of the Lancaster House treaty of 2010, the United Kingdom will provide a further two RAF C-17 flights between now and mid-December to help the rapid deployment of equipment for French forces in support of MISCA. The Government have no intention to deploy UK troops in a combat role and have therefore clearly defined the level of support that we will provide to France.
Our military support follows the announcement of a £10 million UK aid package, having already contributed £5 million in July. We are now one of the largest donors of humanitarian assistance to the people of the Central African Republic and will operate alongside the
9 Dec 2013 : Column 2WS
International Red Cross and UN agencies to help thousands of people gain access to food, water, shelter, sanitation and healthcare. We will continue to work closely with France and other partners to improve the security situation in the Central African Republic and relieve the suffering of its people.
Energy and Climate Change
Clean Energy Infrastructure
The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Michael Fallon):
Preferred bidders in the Government’s £1 billion carbon capture and storage (CCS) commercialisation programme were announced in March 2013. Since then, my Department has taken forward detailed negotiations with these bidders to draw up and agree specifications and contracts for front-end engineering and design (FEED) studies of their projects. Developing CCS infrastructure forms part of the Government’s national infrastructure plan, published last week.
I am pleased to inform Parliament that I intend to award a multi-million pound contract for detailed design and planning, known as a FEED study, to Capture Power Ltd for the White Rose CCS project, which includes the Yorkshire-Humber CCS Trunkline, a carbon dioxide (CO2) transportation and storage solution to be undertaken by National Grid Carbon Ltd.
The White Rose proposal is to build a new state-of-the-art 426MWe (gross) clean coal power plant with full carbon capture and storage, bringing clean electricity to over 630,000 homes and capturing approximately 2 million tonnes of CO2 per year. This will link into the planned development of a CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure which would have capacity for additional CCS projects in the area.
FEED is an important stage in the development of major infrastructure projects. It is a comprehensive programme of engineering, planning and financial work to thoroughly develop the proposal ahead of taking final investment decisions. It represents a significant investment in the project by both the Government and the bidder.
In addition to informing investment decisions, these studies will provide valuable new practical research into this area. We will share the information gathered by these studies with industry, academics and the public through our knowledge transfer programme to help drive forward this important industry.
Negotiations on the FEED study for the other preferred bidder project are still under way. They are progressing positively and we hope to make an announcement on the outcome shortly.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Judges and Advocate-General (Appointments)
The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington):
I would like to update the House on recent appointments and renewals of mandates to the General Court and the
9 Dec 2013 : Column 3WS
Court of Justice of the European Union, and the appointment of an Advocate-General of the Court of Justice.
The following judges have had their mandates to the General Court renewed until 31 August 2019: Nicholas James Forwood (United Kingdom); Alfred Dittrich (Germany); Ingrida Labucka (Latvia); Miro Prek (Slovenia); Mariyana Kancheva (Bulgaria); Guido Berardis (Italy); Eugène Buttigieg (Malta); Carl Wetter (Sweden) and Irena Pelikanova (Czech Republic).
Additionally, the following judges have been appointed: Stéphane Gervasoni (France); Egidijus Bieliunas (Lithuania); Ignacio Ulloa Rubio (Spain) and Lauri Madise (Estonia).
In the Court of Justice, the Estonian judge Uno Lõhmus has been replaced by Küllike Jürimäe, and the Luxembourg judge Jean-Jacques Kasel has been replaced by François Biltgen. Their mandates expire in October 2015.
As a result of Croatian accession, Vesna Tomljenovic and Sinisa Rodin have been appointed as judges to the General Court and Court of Justice respectively.
Finally, Maciej Szpunar (Poland) has been appointed as Advocate-General of the Court of Justice.
Ministerial Oral Question (Correction)
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr William Hague):
On 29 October 2013, Official Report, column 752, during oral questions to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz) asked me about the number of British businesspeople of Chinese origin who joined the Chancellor, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and the Secretary of State for Transport on recent visits to China.
I replied that
“I do not have that information at my fingertips, but I imagine that quite a few of them were. I will write to the right hon. Gentleman with the details”—[Official Report, 29 October 2013; Vol. 569, c.752].
I have written to the right hon. Member with the details, and would like to inform the House that neither the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change nor the Secretary of State for Transport were accompanied by any British business people on their trips. The Chancellor was accompanied by 25 representatives of the technology sector, none of whom were of Chinese origin.
Westminster Foundation for Democracy
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr William Hague):
I would like to inform the House that the framework agreement between the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has been updated, in line with Cabinet Office and HM Treasury guidelines for non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs).
The framework agreement combines a management statement, which sets out the basis for the FCO’s relationship with WFD, and a financial memorandum, which sets out in greater detail the financial framework within which the WFD is required to operate.
9 Dec 2013 : Column 4WS
I have placed copies of the agreement in the Libraries of both Houses. The agreement is also available on the Westminster Foundation for Democracy website.
Home Department
Changes in Immigration Rules
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May):
The Government keep visa regimes under constant review to ensure that the UK has the right visa requirements set in the right places, aligned to risk. Today I am laying changes to the immigration rules to provide a new, straightforward and free alternative to a visa for short-term visitors from Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We intend to extend similar arrangements to Kuwait later in 2014. Britain is open for business and genuine visitors and tourists coming here to enjoy our world-class attractions, study or do business are always welcome.
Passport holders of Oman, Qatar and the UAE will, from 1 January 2014, be able to travel to the UK visa-free if they have obtained an electronic visa waiver (EVW) document online at least 48 hours in advance of travel to the United Kingdom, and present the document to an immigration officer upon request on arrival.
This simple online form means there is no fee, there will be no requirement to give biometrics or attend a visa application centre. Guidance will be published on the Home Office website. Some visitors may still prefer a long-term multi-entry visit visa and the facility to obtain these visas will remain.
I am also laying a change relating to the Vatican City. Holders of non-national travel documents require a visa before travel to the United Kingdom. This rule includes holders of service, temporary service and diplomatic passports issued by the Holy See. The Government have assessed the procedures for issuance of these documents and consider that they are robust enough to merit an exemption from the visit visa requirement. Nationals and citizens of the Vatican City are already exempt from the visa requirement.
The changes also include minor amendments to the rules for armed forces and for graduate entrepreneurs.
Alongside these changes, UK visas and immigration continues to be focused on delivering excellent customer service to business and leisure visitors and ensuring that the UK maintains a competitive visa system that can innovate in order to serve the ever-changing needs of business and ensure Britain succeeds in the global race.
Work and Pensions
Benefits Uprating
The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Steve Webb):
I am pleased to announce the proposed social security benefits rates for 2014, which are set out in the table below. The annual uprating of benefits will take place for state pensions and most other benefits in the first full week of the tax year. In 2014, this will be the week beginning 7 April. A corresponding provision will be made in Northern Ireland.
9 Dec 2013 : Column 5WS
| | RATES | RATES |
| (Weekly rates unless otherwise shown) | 2013 | 2014 |
|
attendance allowance
| | |
|
higher rate
|
79.15
|
81.30
|
|
lower rate
|
53.00
|
54.45
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
bereavement benefit
| | |
| | | |
|
Bereavement payment (lump sum)
|
2000.00
|
2000.00
|
| | | |
|
Widowed parent's allowance
|
108.30
|
111.20
|
| | | |
|
Bereavement Allowance
| | |
|
standard rate
|
108.30
|
111.20
|
| | | |
|
age-related
| | |
|
age 54
|
100.72
|
103.42
|
|
53
|
93.14
|
95.63
|
|
52
|
85.56
|
87.85
|
|
51
|
77.98
|
80.06
|
|
50
|
70.40
|
72.28
|
|
49
|
62.81
|
64.50
|
|
48
|
55.23
|
56.71
|
|
47
|
47.65
|
48.93
|
|
46
|
40.07
|
41.14
|
|
45
|
32.49
|
33.36
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
Benefit cap
| | |
| | | |
|
In Housing Benefit (weekly rate)
| | |
|
Couples and lone parents
|
500.00
|
500.00
|
|
Single persons without children
|
350.00
|
350.00
|
| | | |
|
In Universal Credit (monthly rate)
| | |
|
Joint claimants and single claimants with children
|
2167.00
|
2167.00
|
|
Joint claimants and single claimants without children
|
1517.00
|
1517.00
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
Capital limits - rules common to Income Support, income based Jobseeker's Allowance,
| | |
|
income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, and Housing Benefit, and Universal Credit
| | |
|
unless stated otherwise
| | |
| | | |
|
upper limit
|
16000.00
|
16000.00
|
|
upper limit - Pension Credit and those getting Housing Benefit and Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
|
No limit
|
No limit
|
|
Amount disregarded - all benefits except Pension Credit and Housing Benefit for those above the qualifying age for Guarantee Credit
|
6000.00
|
6000.00
|
|
Amount disregarded - Pension Credit and Housing Benefit for those above the qualifying age for Pension Credit
|
10000.00
|
10000.00
|
|
child disregard (not Pension Credit or Employment and Support Allowance)
|
3000.00
|
3000.00
|
|
amt disregarded (living in RC/NH)
|
10000.00
|
10000.00
|
|
Tariff income
| | |
9 Dec 2013 : Column 6WS
|
£1 for every £250, or part thereof, between the amount of
| | |
|
capital disregarded and the capital upper limit
| | |
| | | |
|
Tariff income - Pension Credit and Housing Benefit where clmt/ptner is over Guarantee Credit qualifying age
| | |
|
£1 for every £500, or part thereof, between the amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit
| | |
| | | |
| | | |
|
carer's allowance
|
59.75
|
61.35
|
| | | |
|
deductions - Rules common to Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit unless stated otherwise
| | |
| | | |
|
Non-dependant deductions from housing benefit and from IS, JSA(IB), ESA(IR) and Pension Credit
| | |
| | | |
|
aged 25 and over in receipt of IS and JSA(IB),
| | |
|
in receipt of main phase ESA(IR),
| | |
|
aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work
|
13.60
|
14.15
|
| | | |
|
aged 18 or over and in remunerative work
| | |
|
- gross income: less than £128
|
13.60
|
14.15
|
|
- gross income: £128 to £187.99
|
31.25
|
32.45
|
|
- gross income: £188 to £244.99
|
42.90
|
44.55
|
|
- gross income: £245 to £325.99
|
70.20
|
72.95
|
|
- gross income: £326 to £405.99
|
79.95
|
83.05
|
|
- gross income: £406 and above
|
87.75
|
91.15
|
| | | |
|
Deductions from housing benefit
| | |
|
Service charges for fuel
| | |
|
Heating
|
25.60
|
27.55
|
|
hot water
|
2.95
|
3.20
|
|
Lighting
|
2.05
|
2.20
|
|
Cooking
|
2.95
|
3.20
|
| | | |
|
Amount ineligible for meals
| | |
|
three or more meals a day
| | |
|
single claimant
|
25.85
|
26.55
|
|
each person in family aged 16 or over
|
25.85
|
26.55
|
|
each child under 16
|
13.10
|
13.45
|
|
less than three meals a day
| | |
|
single claimant
|
17.20
|
17.65
|
|
each person in family aged 16 or over
|
17.20
|
17.65
|
|
each child under 16
|
8.65
|
8.90
|
|
breakfast only - claimant and each member of the family
|
3.15
|
3.25
|
| | | |
|
Amount for personal expenses (not HB)
|
23.50
|
23.75
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 7WS
|
Third party deductions from IS, JSA(IB), ESA(IR) and Pension Credit for;
| | |
| | | |
|
arrears of housing, fuel and water costs
|
3.60
|
3.65
|
|
council tax etc. and deductions for ELDS and ILS.
| | |
| | | |
|
child support, contribution towards maintenance (CTM)
| | |
|
standard deduction
|
7.20
|
7.30
|
|
lower deduction
|
3.60
|
3.65
|
| | | |
|
arrears of Community Charge
| | |
|
court order against claimant
|
3.60
|
3.65
|
|
court order against couple
|
5.65
|
5.70
|
| | | |
|
fine or compensation order
| | |
|
standard rate
|
5.00
|
5.00
|
|
lower rate
|
3.60
|
3.65
|
| | | |
|
Maximum deduction rates for recovery of overpayments (not /JSA(C)/ESA(C))
| | |
|
ordinary overpayments
|
10.80
|
10.95
|
| | | |
|
where claimant convicted of fraud
|
18.00
|
18.25
|
| | | |
|
Deductions from JSA(C) and ESA (C)
| | |
|
Arrears of Comm. Charge and overpayment recovery
| | |
|
Age 16-24
|
18.93
|
19.11
|
|
Age 25 +
|
23.90
|
24.13
|
|
Arrears of Council Tax and Fines
| | |
|
Age 16-24
|
22.72
|
22.94
|
|
Age 25 +
|
28.68
|
28.96
|
|
Max. dedn for arrears of Child Maintenance
| | |
|
Age 16-24
|
18.93
|
19.11
|
|
Age 25 +
|
23.90
|
24.13
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
dependency increases
| | |
| | | |
|
Adult dependency increases for spouse or person looking after
| | |
|
children - payable with;
| | |
| | | |
|
State Pension on own insurance (Cat A or B)
|
63.20
|
64.90
|
|
long term Incapacity Benefit
|
58.85
|
60.45
|
| | | |
|
Severe Disablement Allowance
|
35.35
|
36.30
|
| | | |
|
Carers Allowance
|
35.15
|
36.10
|
| | | |
|
short-term Incapacity Benefit (over state pension age)
|
56.65
|
58.20
|
| | | |
|
short-term Incapacity Benefit (under State Pension age)
|
45.85
|
47.10
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 8WS
|
Child Dependency Increases - payable with;
| | |
|
State Pension; Widowed Mothers/Parents Allowance;
|
11.35
|
11.35
|
|
short-term Incapacity benefit - higher rate or over state pension age;
| | |
|
long-term Incapacity Benefit; Carer's Allowance; Severe Disablement Allowance; Industrial Death Benefit (higher rate);
| | |
| | | |
|
NB - The rate of child dependency increase is adjusted where it is payable for the eldest child for whom child benefit is also paid. The weekly rate in such cases is reduced by the difference (less £3.65) between the ChB rates for the eldest and subsequent children.
|
8.10
|
8.05
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
disability living allowance
| | |
| | | |
|
Care Component
| | |
|
Highest
|
79.15
|
81.30
|
|
Middle
|
53.00
|
54.45
|
|
Lowest
|
21.00
|
21.55
|
| | | |
|
Mobility Component
| | |
|
Higher
|
55.25
|
56.75
|
|
Lower
|
21.00
|
21.55
|
| | | |
|
Disregards
| | |
| | | |
|
Housing Benefit
| | |
|
Earnings disregards
| | |
|
standard (single claimant)
|
5.00
|
5.00
|
|
Couple
|
10.00
|
10.00
|
|
higher (special occupations/circumstances)
|
20.00
|
20.00
|
|
lone parent
|
25.00
|
25.00
|
|
childcare charges
|
175.00
|
175.00
|
|
childcare charges (2 or more children)
|
300.00
|
300.00
|
|
permitted work higher
|
99.50
|
101.00
|
|
permitted work lower
|
20.00
|
20.00
|
|
Other Income disregards
| | |
|
adult maintenance disregard
|
15.00
|
15.00
|
|
war disablement pension and war widows pension
|
10.00
|
10.00
|
|
widowed mothers/parents allowance
|
15.00
|
15.00
|
|
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
|
10.00
|
10.00
|
|
student loan
|
10.00
|
10.00
|
|
student's covenanted income
|
5.00
|
5.00
|
|
income from boarders (plus 50% of the balance)
|
20.00
|
20.00
|
|
additional earnings disregard
|
17.10
|
17.10
|
|
income from subtenants (£20 fixed from April 08)
|
20.00
|
20.00
|
| | | |
|
Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA (IR)) and Pension Credit
| | |
|
Earnings disregards
| | |
|
standard (single claimant) (not ESA (IR))
|
5.00
|
5.00
|
|
Couple (not ESA(IR))
|
10.00
|
10.00
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 9WS
|
Higher (special occupations/circumstances)
|
20.00
|
20.00
|
|
partner of claimant (ESA (IR))
|
20.00 (maximum)
|
20.00 (maximum)
|
|
Other Income disregards
| | |
|
war disablement pension and war widows pension
|
10.00
|
10.00
|
|
widowed mothers/parents allowance
|
10.00
|
10.00
|
|
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
|
10.00
|
10.00
|
|
student loan (not Pension Credit)
|
10.00
|
10.00
|
|
student's covenanted income (not Pension Credit)
|
5.00
|
5.00
|
|
income from boarders (plus 50% of the balance)
|
20.00
|
20.00
|
|
income from subtenants (£20 fixed from April 08)
|
20.00
|
20.00
|
| | | |
|
earnings rules
| | |
| | | |
|
Carers Allowance
|
100.00
|
100.00
|
| | | |
|
Limit of earnings from councillor's allowance
|
99.50
|
101.00
|
| | | |
|
Permitted work earnings limit – higher
|
99.50
|
101.00
|
| | | |
|
- lower
|
20.00
|
20.00
|
| | | |
|
Industrial injuries unemployability supplement
|
5174.00
|
5252.00
|
|
permitted earnings level (annual amount)
| | |
| | | |
|
Earnings level at which adult dependency (ADI) increases are
| | |
|
affected with:
| | |
| | | |
|
short-term incapacity benefit where claimant is
| | |
|
(a) under state pension age
|
45.85
|
47.10
|
|
(b) over state pension age
|
56.65
|
58.20
|
| | | |
|
state pension, long term incapacity benefit,
| | |
|
severe disablement allowance, unemployability
| | |
|
supplement - payable when dependant
| | |
|
(a) is living with claimant
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
|
(b) still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule
|
45.09
|
45.09
|
| | | |
|
Earnings level at which ADI is affected when dependant
| | |
|
is not living with claimant;
| | |
|
state pension.
|
63.20
|
64.90
|
|
long-term incapacity benefit.
|
58.85
|
60.45
|
|
unemployability supplement,
|
59.75
|
61.35
|
|
severe disablement allowance
|
35.35
|
36.30
|
| | | |
|
Carers allowance
|
35.15
|
36.10
|
| | | |
|
Earnings level at which child dependency increases are affected
| | |
|
for first child
|
220.00
|
225.00
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 10WS
|
additional amount for each subsequent child
|
29.00
|
30.00
|
| | | |
|
Pension income threshold for incapacity benefit
|
85.00
|
85.00
|
|
Pension income threshold for contributory Employment Support Allowance
|
85.00
|
85.00
|
| | | |
|
employment and support allowance
| | |
| | | |
|
Personal Allowances
| | |
|
Single
| | |
|
under 25
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
25 or over
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
| | | |
|
lone parent
| | |
|
under 18
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
18 or over
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
| | | |
|
Couple
| | |
|
both under 18
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
both under 18 with child
|
85.80
|
86.65
|
|
both under 18 (main phase)
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
|
both under 18 with child (main phase)
|
112.55
|
113.70
|
|
one 18 or over, one under 18 (certain conditions apply)
|
112.55
|
113.70
|
|
both over 18
|
112.55
|
113.70
|
|
claimant under 25, partner under 18
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
claimant 25 or over, partner under 18
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
|
claimant (main phase), partner under 18
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
| | | |
|
Premiums
| | |
| | | |
|
enhanced disability
| | |
|
Single
|
15.15
|
15.55
|
|
Couple
|
21.75
|
22.35
|
| | | |
|
severe disability
| | |
|
single
|
59.50
|
61.10
|
|
couple (lower rate)
|
59.50
|
61.10
|
|
couple (higher rate)
|
119.00
|
122.20
|
| | | |
|
Carer
|
33.30
|
34.20
|
| | | |
|
Pensioner
| | |
|
single with WRAC
|
45.25
|
47.20
|
|
single with support component
|
38.90
|
40.20
|
|
single with no component
|
73.70
|
75.95
|
|
couple with WRAC
|
81.05
|
84.05
|
|
couple with support component
|
74.70
|
77.05
|
|
couple with no component
|
109.50
|
112.80
|
| | | |
|
Components
| | |
| | | |
|
Work-related Activity
|
28.45
|
28.75
|
|
Support
|
34.80
|
35.75
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 11WS
|
housing benefit
| | |
| | | |
|
Personal allowances
| | |
| | | |
|
Single
| | |
|
under 25
|
56.80
|
57.35 1
|
|
25 or over
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
|
entitled to main phase ESA
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
| | | |
|
lone parent
| | |
|
under 18
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
18 or over
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
|
entitled to main phase ESA
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
| | | |
|
Couple
| | |
|
both under l8
|
85.80
|
86.65
|
|
one or both 18 or over
|
112.55
|
113.70
|
|
claimant entitled to main phase ESA
|
112.55
|
113.70
|
| | | |
|
dependent children
|
65.62
|
66.33
|
| | | |
|
pensioner
| | |
|
single/lone parent has attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit but under 65.
|
145.40
|
148.35
|
|
couple - one or both has attained the qualifying age for Pension Credit but both under 65
|
222.05
|
226.50
|
|
single/lone parent - 65 and over
|
163.50
|
165.15
|
|
couple - one or both 65 and over
|
244.95
|
247.20
|
| | | |
|
Premiums
| | |
| | | |
|
family
|
17.40
|
17.45
|
|
family (lone parent rate)
|
22.20
|
22.20
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
Disability
| | |
|
single
|
31.00
|
31.85
|
|
couple
|
44.20
|
45.40
|
| | | |
|
enhanced disability
| | |
|
single
|
15.15
|
15.55
|
|
disabled child
|
23.45
|
24.08
|
|
couple
|
21.75
|
22.35
|
| | | |
|
severe disability
| | |
|
single
|
59.50
|
61.10
|
|
couple (lower rate)
|
59.50
|
61.10
|
|
couple (higher rate)
|
119.00
|
122.20
|
| | | |
|
disabled child
|
57.89
|
59.50
|
| | | |
|
Carer
|
33.30
|
34.20
|
| | | |
|
ESA components
| | |
|
work-related activity
|
28.45
|
28.75
|
|
support
|
34.80
|
35.75
|
| | | |
9 Dec 2013 : Column 12WS
|
incapacity benefit
| | |
| | | |
|
Long-term Incapacity Benefit
|
101.35
|
104.10
|
| | | |
|
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under state pension age)
| | |
|
lower rate
|
76.45
|
78.50
|
|
higher rate
|
90.50
|
92.95
|
| | | |
|
Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over state pension age)
| | |
|
lower rate
|
97.25
|
99.90
|
|
higher rate
|
101.35
|
104.10
|
| | | |
|
Increase of Long-term Incapacity Benefit for age
| | |
|
higher rate
|
10.70
|
11.00
|
|
lower rate
|
6.00
|
6.15
|
| | | |
|
Invalidity Allowance (Transitional)
| | |
|
higher rate
|
10.70
|
11.00
|
|
middle rate
|
6.00
|
6.15
|
|
lower rate
|
6.00
|
6.15
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
income support
| | |
| | | |
|
Personal Allowances
| | |
|
single
| | |
|
under 25
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
25 or over
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
| | | |
|
lone parent
| | |
|
under 18
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
18 or over
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
| | | |
|
couple
| | |
|
both under 18
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
both under 18 - higher rate
|
85.80
|
86.65
|
|
one under 18, one under 25
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
one under 18, one 25 and over
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
|
both 18 or over
|
112.55
|
113.70
|
| | | |
|
dependent children
|
65.62
|
66.33
|
| | | |
|
Premiums
| | |
| | | |
|
Family/lone parent
|
17.40
|
17.45
|
| | | |
|
pensioner (applies to couples only)
|
109.50
|
112.80
|
| | | |
|
disability
| | |
|
single
|
31.00
|
31.85
|
|
couple
|
44.20
|
45.40
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 13WS
|
enhanced disability
| | |
|
single
|
15.15
|
15.55
|
|
disabled child
|
23.45
|
24.08
|
|
couple
|
21.75
|
22.35
|
| | | |
|
severe disability
| | |
|
single
|
59.50
|
61.10
|
|
couple (lower rate)
|
59.50
|
61.10
|
|
couple (higher rate)
|
119.00
|
122.20
|
| | | |
|
disabled child
|
57.89
|
59.50
|
| | | |
|
Carer
|
33.30
|
34.20
|
| | | |
|
Relevant sum for strikers
|
39.00
|
40.00
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
industrial death benefit
| | |
| | | |
|
Widow's pension
| | |
|
higher rate
|
110.15
|
113.10
|
|
lower rate
|
33.05
|
33.93
|
|
Widower's pension
|
110.15
|
113.10
|
| | | |
|
industrial injuries disablement benefit
| | |
| | | |
|
Standard rate
| | |
|
100%
|
161.60
|
166.00
|
|
90%
|
145.44
|
149.40
|
|
80%
|
129.28
|
132.80
|
|
70%
|
113.12
|
116.20
|
|
60%
|
96.96
|
99.60
|
|
50%
|
80.80
|
83.00
|
|
40%
|
64.64
|
66.40
|
|
30%
|
48.48
|
49.80
|
|
20%
|
32.32
|
33.20
|
| | | |
|
Maximum life gratuity (lump sum)
|
10730.00
|
11020.00
|
| | | |
|
Unemployability Supplement
|
99.90
|
102.60
|
|
increase for early incapacity
| | |
|
higher rate
|
20.70
|
21.25 1
|
|
middle rate
|
13.30
|
13.70
|
|
lower rate
|
6.65
|
6.85
|
| | | |
|
Maximum reduced earnings allowance
|
64.64
|
66.40
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
Maximum retirement allowance
|
16.16
|
16.60
|
| | | |
|
Constant attendance allowance
| | |
|
exceptional rate
|
129.40
|
132.80
|
|
intermediate rate
|
97.05
|
99.60
|
|
normal maximum rate
|
64.70
|
66.40
|
|
part-time rate
|
32.35
|
33.20
|
| | | |
|
Exceptionally severe disablement allowance
|
64.70
|
66.40
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 14WS
|
jobseeker's allowance
| | |
| | | |
|
Contribution based JSA - Personal rates
| | |
|
under 25
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
25 or over
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
| | | |
|
Income-based JSA - personal allowances
| | |
|
under 25
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
25 or over
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
| | | |
|
lone parent
| | |
|
under 18
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
18 or over
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
| | | |
|
Couple
| | |
|
both under 18
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
both under 18 - higher rate
|
85.80
|
86.65
|
|
one under 18, one under 25
|
56.80
|
57.35
|
|
one under 18, one 25 and over
|
71.70
|
72.40
|
|
both 18 or over
|
112.55
|
113.70
|
| | | |
|
dependent children
|
65.62
|
66.33
|
| | | |
|
Premiums
| | |
| | | |
|
Family/lone parent
|
17.40
|
17.45
|
| | | |
|
pensioner
| | |
|
single
|
73.70
|
75.95
|
|
couple
|
109.50
|
112.80
|
| | | |
|
disability
| | |
|
single
|
31.00
|
31.85
|
|
couple
|
44.20
|
45.40
|
| | | |
|
enhanced disability
| | |
|
single
|
15.15
|
15.55
|
|
disabled child
|
23.45
|
24.08
|
|
couple
|
21.75
|
22.35
|
| | | |
|
severe disability
| | |
|
single
|
59.50
|
61.10
|
|
couple (lower rate)
|
59.50
|
61.10
|
|
couple (higher rate)
|
119.00
|
122.20
|
| | | |
|
disabled child
|
57.89
|
59.50
|
| | | |
|
Carer
|
33.30
|
34.20
|
| | | |
|
Prescribed sum for strikers
|
39.00
|
40.00
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
maternity allowance
| | |
| | | |
|
Standard rate
|
136.78
|
138.18
|
|
MA threshold
|
30.00
|
30.00
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 15WS
|
pension credit
| | |
| | | |
|
Standard minimum guarantee
| | |
|
single
|
145.40
|
148.35
|
|
couple
|
222.05
|
226.50
|
| | | |
|
Additional amount for severe disability
| | |
|
single
|
59.50
|
61.10
|
|
couple (one qualifies)
|
59.50
|
61.10
|
|
couple (both qualify)
|
119.00
|
122.20
|
| | | |
|
Additional amount for carers
|
33.30
|
34.20
|
| | | |
|
Savings credit
| | |
|
threshold - single
|
115.30
|
120.35
|
|
threshold - couple
|
183.90
|
192.00
|
|
maximum - single
|
18.06
|
16.80
|
|
maximum - couple
|
22.89
|
20.70
|
| | | |
|
Amount for claimant and first spouse in polygamous marriage
|
222.05
|
226.50
|
|
Additional amount for additional spouse
|
76.65
|
78.15
|
| | | |
|
Non-State Pensions (for Pension Credit purposes)
| | |
|
Statutory minimum increase to non-state pensions
|
2.20%
|
2.70%
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
personal independence payment
| | |
| | | |
|
Daily living component
| | |
|
Enhanced
|
79.15
|
81.30
|
|
Standard
|
53.00
|
54.45
|
| | | |
|
Mobility component
| | |
|
Enhanced
|
55.25
|
56.75
|
|
Standard
|
21.00
|
21.55
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
severe disablement allowance
| | |
| | | |
|
Basic rate
|
71.80
|
73.75
|
|
Age-related addition (from Dec 90)
| | |
|
Higher rate
|
10.70
|
11.00
|
|
Middle rate
|
6.00
|
6.15
|
|
Lower rate
|
6.00
|
6.15
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
state pension
| | |
| | | |
|
Category A or B
|
110.15
|
113.10
|
|
Category B (lower) - spouse or civil partner's insurance
|
66.00
|
67.80
|
|
Category C or D - non-contributory
|
66.00
|
67.80
|
| | | |
|
Additional pension
|
2.20%
|
2.70%
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 16WS
|
Increments to:-
| | |
|
Basic pension
|
2.20%
|
2.70%
|
|
Additional pension
|
2.20%
|
2.70%
|
|
Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB)
|
2.20%
|
2.70%
|
|
Inheritable lump sum
|
2.20%
|
2.70%
|
| | | |
|
Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
|
pre-April 1988 contracted-out earnings
| | |
| | | |
|
Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of
| | |
|
contracted-out earnings from April 1988 to 1997
|
2.20%
|
2.70%
|
| | | |
|
Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit)
|
0.1279
|
0.1314
|
| | | |
|
Increase of long term incapacity for age
|
2.20%
|
2.70%
|
| | | |
|
Addition at age 80
|
0.25
|
0.25
|
| | | |
|
Increase of Long-term incapacity for age
| | |
|
higher rate
|
20.70
|
21.25
|
|
lower rate
|
10.35
|
10.65
|
| | | |
|
Invalidity Allowance (Transitional) for State Pension recipients
| | |
|
higher rate
|
20.70
|
21.25
|
|
middle rate
|
13.30
|
13.70
|
|
lower rate
|
6.65
|
6.85
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
statutory adoption pay
| | |
| | | |
|
Earnings threshold
|
109.00
|
111.00
|
|
Standard Rate
|
136.78
|
138.18
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
statutory maternity pay
| | |
| | | |
|
Earnings threshold
|
109.00
|
111.00
|
|
Standard rate
|
136.78
|
138.18
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
statutory paternity pay
| | |
| | | |
|
Earnings threshold
|
109.00
|
111.00
|
|
Standard Rate
|
136.78
|
138.18
|
|
Additional statutory paternity pay
|
136.78
|
138.18
|
| | | |
| | | |
|
statutory sick pay
| | |
| | | |
|
Earnings threshold
|
109.00
|
111.00
|
|
Standard rate
|
86.70
|
87.55
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 17WS
|
universal credit (monthly rates)
| | |
| | | |
|
Universal Credit Minimum Amount
|
0.01
|
0.01
|
| | | |
|
Universal Credit Amounts
| | |
|
Standard allowance
| | |
|
Single
| | |
|
Single under 25
|
246.81
|
249.28
|
|
Single 25 or over
|
311.55
|
314.67
|
|
Couple
| | |
|
Joint claimants both under 25
|
387.42
|
391.29
|
|
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over
|
489.06
|
493.95
|
|
Child element
| | |
|
First child
|
272.08
|
274.58
|
|
Second/subsequent child
|
226.67
|
229.17
|
|
Disabled child additions
| | |
|
Lower rate addition
|
123.62
|
124.86
|
|
Higher rate addition
|
352.92
|
362.92
|
|
Limited Capability for Work element
|
123.62
|
124.86
|
|
Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity element
|
303.66
|
311.86
|
|
Carer element
|
144.70
|
148.61
|
|
Childcare element
| | |
|
Maximum for one child
|
532.29
|
532.29
|
|
Maximum for two or more children
|
912.50
|
912.50
|
| | | |
|
Non-dependants' housing cost contributions
|
68.00
|
68.68
|
| | | |
|
Work allowances
| | |
|
Higher work allowance (no housing element)
| | |
|
Single
| | |
|
Single claimant, no dependent children
|
111.00
|
111.00
|
|
Single claimant, one or more children
|
734.00
|
734.00
|
|
Single claimant, limited capability for work
|
647.00
|
647.00
|
|
Joint claimants
| | |
|
Joint claimant, no dependent children
|
111.00
|
111.00
|
|
Joint claimant, one or more children
|
536.00
|
536.00
|
|
Joint claimant, limited capability for work
|
647.00
|
647.00
|
|
Lower work allowance
| | |
|
Single
| | |
|
Single claimant, no dependent children
|
111.00
|
111.00
|
|
Single claimant, one or more children
|
263.00
|
263.00
|
|
Single claimant, limited capability for work
|
192.00
|
192.00
|
|
Joint claimants
| | |
|
Joint claimant, no dependent children
|
111.00
|
111.00
|
|
Joint claimant, one or more children
|
222.00
|
222.00
|
|
Joint claimant, limited capability for work
|
192.00
|
192.00
|
| | | |
|
Assumed income from capital
|
4.35
|
4.35
|
| | | |
|
Third Party Deductions at 5% of UC Standard Allowance for:
| | |
| | | |
|
Single
| | |
|
Single under 25
|
12.34
|
12.46
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 18WS
|
Single 25 or over
|
15.58
|
15.73
|
| | | |
|
Couple
| | |
|
Joint claimants both under 25
|
19.37
|
19.56
|
|
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over
|
24.45
|
24.70
|
| | | |
|
Maximum deductions for Fines
|
108.35
|
108.35
|
| | | |
|
Overall Maximum Deduction Rate at 40% of UC Standard Allowance:
| | |
|
Single
| | |
|
Single under 25
|
98.72
|
99.71
|
|
Single 25 or over
|
124.62
|
125.87
|
| | | |
|
Couple
| | |
|
Joint claimants both under 25
|
154.97
|
156.52
|
|
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over
|
195.62
|
197.58
|
| | | |
|
Fraud Overpayments, Recoverable Hardship Payments and Administrative Penalties at 40% of UC Standard Allowance
| | |
|
Single
| | |
|
Single under 25
|
98.72
|
99.71
|
|
Single 25 or over
|
124.62
|
125.87
|
| | | |
|
Couple
| | |
|
Joint claimants both under 25
|
154.97
|
156.52
|
|
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over
|
195.62
|
197.58
|
| | | |
|
Normal Overpayments and Civil Penalties at 15% of UC Standard Allowance
| | |
| | | |
|
Single
| | |
|
Single under 25
|
37.02
|
37.39
|
|
Single 25 or over
|
46.73
|
47.20
|
| | | |
|
Couple
| | |
|
Joint claimants both under 25
|
58.11
|
58.69
|
|
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over
|
73.36
|
74.09
|
| | | |
|
Normal Overpayments and Civil Penalties at 25%) of UC Standard Allowance if claimant's and/or partner's earnings are over the Work Allowance
| | |
| | | |
|
Single
| | |
|
Single under 25
|
61.70
|
62.32
|
|
Single 25 or over
|
77.89
|
78.67
|
| | | |
|
Couple
| | |
|
Joint claimants both under 25
|
96.86
|
97.82
|
|
Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over
|
122.27
|
123.49
|
| | | |
|
Widow’s benefit
| | |
| | | |
|
Widowed mother's allowance
|
108.30
|
111.20
|
|
Widow's pension
| | |
|
standard rate
|
108.30
|
111.20
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 19WS
|
age-related
| | |
|
age 54 (49)
|
100.72
|
103.42
|
|
53 (48)
|
93.14
|
95.63
|
|
52 (47)
|
85.56
|
87.85
|
|
51 (46)
|
77.98
|
80.06
|
|
50 (45)
|
70.40
|
72.28
|
|
49 (44)
|
62.81
|
64.50
|
9 Dec 2013 : Column 20WS
|
48 (43)
|
55.23
|
56.71
|
|
47 (42)
|
47.65
|
48.93
|
|
46 (41)
|
40.07
|
41.14
|
|
45 (40)
|
32.49
|
33.36
|
| | | |
|
Note: For deaths occurring before 11 April 1988 refer to age-points shown in brackets.
|
