§ 7. Mr. James Lamondasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will review the circumstances under which allowances under supplementary benefit regulations may be paid to meet high fixed charges to tenants for district heating schemes.
§ Mrs. ChalkerFixed charges imposed by landlords as a condition of tenancy are covered by paragraph 4 of schedule 3 to the Supplementary Benefits (Requirements) Regulations 1980. The intention is to meet inescapable charges over which the claimant has no control. We are currently reviewing the way this provision applies to cases where the charge is fixed in direct relation to the claimant's consumption of fuel where this is entirely within his own control.