§ Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the amount of capital and or savings that had to be held by (a) a single person and (b) a married couple of retirement age in each of the last 10 years before any entitlement to social security was reduced.
§ Mrs. ChalkerSince November 1975, supplementary pensions are unaffected by capital below £1,250. Before that date the figure was £325 (£825 if there was no disregarded income, apart from earnings). The rule applies to the total capital held by the claimant and his wife, and the figure is, therefore, the same for a single person and a married couple.
§ Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the amount of capital and or saving that had to be held by (a) a single person and (b) a married couple of retirement age in each of the last 10 years before all entitlement to social security benefits was eliminated.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe amount of capital necessary to eliminate supplementary benefit depends upon the total requirements of the claimant and his dependants and the amount of any resources they may have. Capital over a certain figure is converted into notional income and set, together with any other income the claimant has, against his requirements. Before November 1975 an income of 5p a week was assumed for every £25 of capital between £300 and £800 and an income of 12½p a week was assumed for every £25 over £800. Up to £1 of this notional income,—i.e. the notional income on £800 of capital—594W could be disregarded if the claimant had no other disregarded income (apart from earnings). Since 1975, an income of 25p a week is assumed for every £50 of capital over £1,200, and taken into account in full. The rate applies to the total capital held by the claimant and his wife. Actual income from capital is ignored.