Social Security pensions and benefits are set to increase from 11th April 2011. The basic state pension is to rise by 4.6% or ?4.50 a week – from ?97.65 to ?102.15 – whilst the weekly rate of the pension supplement for a qualifying individual receiving a full basic State pension will increase from ?47.65 to ?49.85. So, a pensioner with a full state pension who qualifies for the pension supplement will see an overall increase of 4.60% or ?6.70 a week. Other pensions and benefits which are covered under reciprocal arrangements with the United Kingdom will generally be increased by 3.1%, in line with UK inflation. The prescribed amounts for the Island’s income related benefits, such as Income Support and Family Income Supplement, will generally be increased by 4.1%. This will benefit around 5,000 individuals and their families who receive those benefits, including some 1,600 pensioners. Overall, Social Security spending is expected to rise by ?8.8 million or 3.7% in the coming year on account of inflationary uplifts and an increased number of beneficiaries, particularly pensioners. Total expenditure is expected to be ?246.3 million in 2011/12 – 30% of all Government spending. Over ?141 million is to be spent on state pensions and the pension supplement, whilst a further ?19.2 million has been allocated for Child Benefit and ?23.3 million will be paid in benefits for the sick and disabled. Minister for Social Care, Martyn Quayle MHK, said: “Given the difficult financial circumstances the Isle of Man Government is currently having to deal with, it is particularly pleasing that the Department of Social Care is able to provide for an increase in almost all benefits, and I am most grateful for the support from my colleagues in the Council of Ministers and in Tynwald. Pensioners on the lowest incomes will continue to be significantly better off than their UK counterparts – at least 15% in the case of a single pensioner, after housing costs have been met.” Commenting on the uprating measures, Mr Alan Crowe MLC, Member of the Department of Social Care with special responsibility for Social Security, said: “The social security budget continues to represent a huge commitment. This year’s uprating maintains the policy of providing help where it is needed most.” - ENDS -