HC Deb 04 November 1970 vol 805 c1069
28. Mr. Selwyn Gummer

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what model rules his Department has provided for the guidance of local authorities in drawing up rent rebate schemes; and what the rules recommend with regard to war disablement pensions.

Mr. Channon

Local authorities at the moment have complete discretion on rent rebates. Circular 46 of June, 1967 contained a scheme illustrating the principles on which rebate schemes might be based. This illustrative scheme suggested that the first £2 of disability pensions should be disregarded in assessing incomes.

Mr. Selwyn Gummer

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that war disablement pensions are normally treated in every way as different from other kinds of pension? Would it, therefore, not be more sensible in such model rules, because they are treated as model rules, to discount the whole of any war disablement pension?

Mr. Channon

The present position follows the practice of the Supplementary Benefits Commission. The local authorities are free to adopt a different basis and disregard war pensions should they so choose.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Are not the hon. Gentleman's own proposals denying local authorities the right to make their own choice in determining their rent rebates?

Mr. Channon

There will be no removal of the local authorities' discretion to make this sort of extra payment.