§ 60. Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reforms he proposes to introduce in the social security system to increase incentives to work for people in receipt of supplementary benefit.
§ Dr. BoysonNone at present, but work incentives are among the important issues to be taken into account when any changes in the social security system are being considered.
§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the amount of money unclaimed by pensioners entitled to supplementary benefit.
§ Dr. BoysonThe latest estimates for the amount of benefit unclaimed by supplementary pensioners are those given to my hon. Friend on 5 April 1982.—[Vol. 21, c.247–50.] However, figures for 1981 are expected to become available shortly and I will write to my hon. Friend when these are ready.
§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many elderly people are living on or below the supplementary benefit level; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonIn 1979, the latest date for which comprehensive figures are available, approximately 2.05 million people over the retirement pension age were receiving supplementary benefit and a further 1.09 million lived in families not receiving supplementary benefit but whose income was below that level. In December 1982 the number of elderly people receiving supplementary benefit was 2.13 million.