§ 8. Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of those of working age now receiving supplementary benefit; and what were the figures for May 1979, and the change in percentage terms.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Tony Newton)About 1,160,000 in May 1979 and about 2,190,000 in May 1982—an increase of 89 per cent.
§ Mr. WinnickThe figures speak for themselves. Does the Minister recognise the immense personal hardship that has faced so many families since the Government took office? Is he aware of the widespread dissatisfaction over the fact that staffing levels have not been increased in DHSS offices—in some cases the levels have decreased—leading to difficulties, delays and frustration for those who, in many cases, have to wait some lime, or for more time than they should, to receive supplementary benefit after they have been made redundant?
§ Mr. NewtonI hope that the hon. Gentleman will recognise that, as well as an increase in supplementary benefit work, there has been a substantial decrease in other parts of the Department's work—for example, on sick pay since the introduction of self-certification. The existing system tries to match work Load with complement across the nation and to distribute that fairly between local offices. We have made it clear, in the context of present anxieties, that we are prepared to re-examine that system. Meanwhile, we ate satisfied that the system as a whole matches work load as a whole.
§ Mr. SquireWill my hon. Friend confirm that the figures that he has just announced could equally be said to show that the safety net that hon. Members on both sides of the House support is working fully and properly for those who need support at a difficult time?
§ Mr. NewtonAgainst the background of unemployment, which is much higher than any of us like, I should be disturbed if benefit were not reaching a larger number of people.
§ Mr. RookerWhat is the estimate of the increase in the numbers of those who will be forced on to the supplementary benefit means test, bearing in mind that after 22 October, when benefits change, a man earning £107 a week, with a wife and two children, who loses his job and remains out of work until the next tax year in March will receive 44 per cent. less income during those weeks because of changes introduced by the Government?
§ Mr. Newtonl cannot give the hon. Gentleman the exact figure. We estimate that of the increase that I mentioned—about 1 million—approximately 750,000 people have run out of or were never entitled to unemployment benefit. I cannot be sure exactly how many people are covered by the hon. Gentleman's point, but certainly fewer than the remaining 250,000