HC Deb 19 May 1969 vol 784 cc28-9
35. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why, when there is an increase of rent or other changed circumstance which justifies an increase in supplementary benefit, such increased benefit cannot be paid until the pensioner's current order book is exhausted, and then cannot be back-dated; and if he will remedy this anomaly.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Department of Health and Social Security (Mr. Norman Pentland)

The rule described by my hon. Friend is not of general application. It applies only to changes of circumstances resulting in a variation of 2s. a week or less in the rate of supplementary benefit. Its purpose is to avoid altering order books, with all the associated work and inconvenience, for very small amounts. The rule operates in respect of downward changes as well as upward.

Mr. Driberg

Since that seems to mean that administrative convenience takes precedence over individual welfare, does my hon. Friend realise what hardship is caused to a number of people by the application of this rule? It would not be so difficult administratively. Why, therefore, can the increase not be backdated?

Mr. Pentland

As I said, the rule operates downwards as well as upwards in regard to these changes. It was not brought in with any idea of disregarding real hardship cases for supplementary benefit. When the Supplementary Benefit Commission was brought into being and we established one order book, the rule operated more or less to meet the claimants' requirements and not for any other purpose.

Mr. Heffer

Will my hon. Friend not agree with me that there are few examples at present of rents which go down? Is it not clear, therefore, that this operates very much against the interests of those who are in the greatest need? Would he not look at this again, because the point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Barking (Mr. Driberg) is a very sensible one?

Mr. Pentland

I realise the concern that there is about this, and it would be understandable if the rule always operated upwards. But, as I said, it also covers downward movements. There have been quite a number of cases, following the introduction of the new Rent Act, where rents were downward. However, I will take note of what my hon. Friend says.

Mr. Allason

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that rates have gone up very steeply recently and that they hardly ever go down?

Mr. Pentland

Yes, Sir, but the rule to which we are referring is known as "the tolerance rule" by the Department. It does not apply to increases in the scale rates of supplementary benefits.