To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if she will make an assessment of the effect on the disposable income and quality of life of pensioners in receipt of pension credit of changes in council tax levels over the last 10 years. (275481)

Pension credit was introduced in October 2003. Between then and 2007-08 (the latest data available) average council tax liability for pension credit recipients has remained the same at around 7 per cent. of net income.

Notes:

1. Receipt of the guarantee credit element of pension credits brings entitlement to full help with a council tax bill through council tax benefit.

2. Based on the family resources survey and as such subject to a degree of sampling and non-sampling error.