To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of the pensioner population in Northern Ireland has been lifted out of poverty in each of the last five years; and what steps he is taking to increase these figures. (107626)

Data on pensioner poverty are available only for the years 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05. Between the first and second years the proportion of the pensioner population in poverty increased by an estimated 2.8 per cent.; this equates to approximately 8,000 pensioners. On the same measure between 2003-04 and 2004-05 there was no change.

“Lifetime Opportunities” Governments Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy, launched on 13 November includes a commitment to work towards the elimination of poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland by 2020.

A copy of “Lifetime Opportunities” has been placed in the House of Commons Library.