§ Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Social Security if she is aware of the extra burdens now falling on old-age pensioners living in their own homes through the recent rise in local government rates; and what action she proposes to take to relieve them of this additional burden.
§ Miss HerbisonRates are allowed in full in the assessment of Supplementary Pensions, so that increases are automatically provided for. Pensioners whose income is above Supplementary Pension standards may be able to secure a reduction in their rates under the Rate Rebate Scheme. I understand that the average increase in rates for householders in England and Wales is not likely to be more than 1 per cent., and in some areas householder's rates have remained the same or have gone down.