All benefits increases apply to weekly rates unless otherwise stated. Small variations in the increases in rates to which the same percentage increase was originally applied are due to rounding. Earnings figures are for whole economy average earnings, seasonally adjusted.

¹ Replaced non-contributory invalidity pension and housewives' non-contributory invalidity pension from November 1984.

² Fully introduced only in April 1979, therefore not uprated in November 1979.

³ These are not rates of benefit.

⁴ Supplemetary benefit scale rates were restructured in 1980 and separate long-term and ordinary rates for non-householders age 16–17 were introduced. Previously there had been only a single rate for this group.

⁵ Before the restructuring of the scale rates in 1980 there were separate scale rates for children aged 11–12 and under 5.

⁶ Housing benefit was fully introduced only in April 1983. The figures used to calculate percentage increases in years prior to this are the most closely comparable figures from the previous rent and rates rebate scheme. Housing benefit needs allowances are not rates of benefit. The way in which they are constructed means that a comparison of increases with increases in other benefits, with price inflation using the RPI or with increases in average earnings, is inappropriate. A fuller explanation of the reasons for this is given in the reply to the hon. Member for Pontefract and Castleford on 4 December 1986 at columns 729–730.

⁷ Pensioner additions were introduced in 1982 and first increased in 1984.

⁸ Child dependency additions with short-term benefits were abolished in 1984.

⁹ Increase since April 1979.