HC Deb 29 February 1980 vol 979 cc789-90W
Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many local authorities now charge, or propose to charge, persons in receipt of supplementary benefit for home help services; in how many cases these charges will exceed the margin included in the long-term scale rate for extra expenses, what guidance he has given to the Supplementary Benefits Commission; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Prentice

Detailed information about the charging policies of individual local authorities could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. I understand that the Supplementary Benefits Commission is looking carefully at the consequences for the supplementary benefits scheme of changes introduced by local authorities in their charging policies.