§ Mr. Arthur Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the average cost to local authorities of funerals carried out by them in each of the years 1967 to 1977;
(2) how many funerals were carried out by local authorities in each of the years 1967 to 1977.
§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the average cost to local authorities of funerals carried out by them in each of the years 1967 to 1977;
(2) how many funerals were carried out by local authorities in each of the years 1967 to 1977.
§ Mr. MoyleI would refer the hon. Members to my hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, South (Mr. George) on 13th December 1977.—[Vol. 941, c.158.]
§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue instructions that when assessing special needs entitlements there shall be disregarded sums specifically saved for funeral, burial or cremation expenses by a retirement pensioner and his or her spouse.
§ Mr. Arthur Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue instructions that, when assessing special needs entitlements, there shall be disregarded sums specifically saved for funeral, burial or cremation expenses by a retirement pensioner and his or her spouse.
§ Mr. OrmeThis is a matter for the Supplementary Benefits Commission's discretion under Section 3(2) of the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976. I understand, 329W however, that it has regard in particular to the cost of funerals when it revises from time to time the amount—currently £200—of capital which a supplementary beneficiary may possess without its affecting any decision on a request for an exceptional needs payment.