§ Mr. Jim Lesterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what would be the cost of an annual adjustment of the special hardship allowance linking its value with the cost of living;
(2) if the Department has any plans for indexing the special hardship allowance with the cost of living.
§ Mr. O'MalleyThe maximum weekly rate of special hardship allowance, like other long-term benefits, is increased at538W each uprating in the light of changes in the level of earnings or prices, whichever is more favourable. On 19th November 1975 the maximum rate will rise from £7.60 to £8.72; the annual cost of this increase will be about £7½million.