Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Pensions – 10 December 1985

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Pensions on 10th December 1985.

Mr. Stan Thorne Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average net additional weekly amount which will be received by (a) a single pensioner and (b) a married pensioner couple as a result of the combined effects of the recent benefits uprating and the measures announced in the autumn statement.

Mr. Major As a result of the recent benefits uprating the standard rate of basic retirement pension has been increased by £2.50 for a single pensioner and by £4.00 for a married pensioner couple. Increased amounts of additional pension and graduated retirement benefit may also be payable, but the exact amounts will depend upon the pensioner’s individual circumstances.

The Chancellor’s recent autumn statement announced no measures which affected pensioner incomes: it outlined Government spending plans for the forthcoming year.