§ Mr. Alportasked the Minister National Insurance why reductions National Assistance benefits equivalent to 44W increases recently made in retirement pensions have been made in respect of old age pensioners receiving assistance payments in supplement of their pensions.
§ Mr. TurtonPeople receiving assistance in supplementation of National Insurance benefits or pensions had their incomes substantially increased last June when the new Assistance Regulations came into force and the recent adjustments, while altering the proportions derived from assistance and benefit or pension respectively, did not affect their total income.
It was fully explained at the time, both in a memorandum published with the Assistance Regulations and also in a notice sent to each individual concerned, that as assistance is subject to a means test the increased benefits and pensions when granted would have to be taken fully into account and the amount of assistance adjusted accordingly.