HC Deb 27 June 1984 vol 62 c453W
Rev. Martin Smyth

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the amount for food for children in supplementary benefit was last assessed; what is the current figure; and what is its value expressed in constant prices based on the date when the last assessment was made.

Dr. Boyson

There is no specific amount for food or any other item in the supplementary benefit scale rates. The national assistance rates, from which the supplementary benefit rates derive, were set in 1948 and were based upon an assessment of requirements for food and other essential items. However, although the real value of the rates has more than doubled since then, upratings have not been based on the revaluation of particular items.