HC Deb 17 December 1990 vol 183 cc7-8
5. Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the current level of income support.

Mr. Newton

There are many levels of income support corresponding to the needs of particular groups, such as pensioners or families, and their individual circumstances. Our policy in replacing supplementary benefit was to create a clearer structure with a greater capacity to focus extra help on those most in need. Since 1988 we have given such extra help, over and above upratings, to families and children, disabled people, carers and pensioners.

Mr. Davies

I thank the Secretary of State for his answer. Is he aware that 87,000 households still have not had a penny increase in their benefit since 1987, despite inflation being 28 per cent. since then? Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that those people form a special case? If the Government are determined to make the poll tax marginally less offensive, why will not the right hon. Gentleman remove from those 87,000 households the liability to pay the 20 per cent. statutory minimum of their poll tax?

Mr. Newton

The hon. Gentleman understands the basis of the transitional protection, which was extended in 1988. I think that he will acknowledge that one of the many helpful effects of the substantial increase in benefit rates, which is to take place next April, is that it will considerably reduce the number of people who will then be subject to transitional protection.

Mrs. Roe

Does my right hon. Friend agree that income support is a much more flexible and effective way of targeting help towards vulnerable and needy groups than the old supplementary benefit system?

Mr. Newton

I very much agree and I suspect that that view is generally shared, even by those who wish beneift rates to be higher still.

Mrs. Mahon

The Secretary of State will be aware that one group of people—youngsters over the age of 18 in full-time education that does not attract a grant—are excluded from income support and have no income whatever. What does the right hon. Gentleman propose to do about that group?

Mr. Newton

The hon. Lady understands the position clearly. The Government's view is that, generally, if it is thought right that someone should be supported while he pursues his education, that is a matter for the local education authorities, which have adequate powers.