HC Deb 15 December 1969 vol 793 cc904-6
21. Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has made of the number of people who are eligible for help who do not apply for supplementary benefit; and what number of these is old-age pensioners.

Mr. Ennals

There have been no recent surveys on which such estimates might be based, but, following the introduction of the supplementary benefit scheme, the number receiving supplementary pensions increased by 450,000.

Mr. Silvester

While recognising the recent improvement, on which I congratulate the hon. Gentleman's predecessor, may I ask him whether he would not agree that there still remains an important consideration, particularly in making clear to the public the distinction between die provision which must necessarily be made by the State to a reasonable level and that which should be left to private and company schemes?

Mr. Ennals

We are most anxious that the general public, and particularly those: earning modest incomes, should be aware of their entitlement. We use every opportunity to bring this to their attention. Perhaps I might refer, as an example, to the Supplementary Benefits Commission's recent book "The Right to Help", copies of which, corrected to take account of the recent increase in scale rates, are now available in the Vote Office. This is one of the most helpful and constructive ways of bringing to the attention of people and their advisers what their entitlements are.

22. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people now receive supplementary benefit payments in respect of house rents and rates; and if, in cases of habitual rent and rates arrears, he will take steps to empower the local offices of his Department to make the payments for rent and rates direct to the local authority or private owners of the property.

Mr. Ennals

About 2,300,000 people were receiving supplementary benefit which took account of their rent and rates in August, 1969, the latest date for which this information is available. The Supplementary Benefits Commission already has power to pay rent or rates direct to the landlord, and this power is exercised by the local offices of the Department in appropriate cases.

Mr. Taylor

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that this power is not exercised in a sufficient number of cases and that many families which have to cater for monthly rents and rates find that they cannot budget on the weekly payments from the Ministry? Would the hon. Gentleman encourage his officers to use this power more frequently?

Mr. Ennals

I agree that there are more circumstances in which this right should and might well be used. It would be quite wrong for it to become general, however, because it is important that people on supplementary benefits should live independently, making use of the funds which are made available to them. But people in real difficulty and those who are accustomed to getting behind in their rents are the sort of people for whom this provision is made.