The information that is available is shown in the following table. Figures are presented in 2007-08 prices in order to allow real terms comparisons.
1996-97 (£) 2007-08 (£) Percentage change in real terms Income support for pensioners/pension credit Couples 279 395 42 Singles 124 187 51 State pension recipients Couples 295 415 41 Singles 129 193 50 Notes: 1. Figures are expressed in 2007-08 prices. 2. Net income after housing costs is income from all sources received by the pensioner unit including income from social security benefits, earnings from employment, any private pension, and tax credits, less direct taxes including council tax and housing costs which include rent, water rates and mortgage interest payments. 3. Based on the Family Resources Survey and as such subject to a degree of sampling and non sampling error. Source: Pensioners’ Incomes Series