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<p>The Secretary of State has a statutory duty to complete an annual review of benefit
and pension rates to determine whether they have retained their value in relation
to either prices or earnings.</p><p> </p><p>If there has been an increase in prices
or earnings she must increase certain benefits by at least the increase in prices
or earnings, using ONS data. For other benefits she may take into account the prevailing
economic conditions and other relevant factors.</p><p> </p><p>Whilst organisations
external to Government are free to make representations to the Secretary of State,
the Department has made no assessment around the introduction of an independent commission
to review the value of benefits.</p>
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