§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the reduction in electricity costs which result from 49W improved insulation, if she will consider granting aid for thermal insulation to pensioners and housebound disabled people in low income groups living in rented accommodation which has all electric space and water heating.
§ Mr. MeacherI have no powers to provide such aid. The Supplementary Benefits Commission has discretionary powers to award lump-sums for exceptional needs and has very carefully considered the extent to which they might be used to help with the cost of insulation. It has concluded that it would be inappropriate for supplementary benefit to be paid for home improvements of this nature, particularly bearing in mind that the need for such improvements is not limited to recipients of supplementary benefit; there are also many practical and technical problems involved which its local officers are not equipped to handle.
The Commission recognises, however, that the comfort of an individual can sometimes be improved by such measures as simple draughtproofing and it is prepared to help with the cost in the circumstances explained in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Thomas) on 10th February 1976.—[Vol. 895, c. 189–90.]