§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the 1983–84 needs allowance level for the housing rebate scheme; and what is the level of disregarded earnings.
§ Dr. BoysonI have been asked to reply.
The rates which will apply from 21 November 1983 are as follows. They were announced, along with a number of other new rates, in circular number HB(83)8, copies of which are available in the Library.
Needs allowances Weekly rate from 21.11.83 £ Single person 43.05 Couple or single parent 63.50 Single handicapped person 48.00 Couple (1 handicapped) or single handicapped parent 68.45 Couple (both handicapped) 70.80 Pensioner addition 0.75 Dependent child addition *11.90 Earnings Disregards Principal wage earner 17.45 Spouse's earnings 5.00 *It is intended to increase further the dependent child addition to £12.90 from April 1984.