To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of (a) male and (b) female state retirement pensioners who have deferred payment beyond state retirement age; and how many have claimed (i) a lump sum and (ii) an enhanced weekly pension after doing so. (100528)

As at March 2006 the total number of State pension recipients who are in receipt of basic state pension increments (as a result of deferring their state pension) is 1,216,500 made up of 240,800 men and 975,800 women.

Lump sum payments have only been available from April 2006. The figures which include lump sum payments are scheduled to be published in February 2007.

Notes:

1. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred.

2. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

3. Figures are subject to sampling variation.

4. The figures are from March 2006 and therefore do not include any lump sum payments.

Source:

Information Directorate 5 per cent. sample data adjusted in line with WPLS data.