HC Deb 05 March 1986 vol 93 cc159-60W
Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much money has been concentrated on older people by the proposed introduction of a 25 age point in the Social Security Bill; and in what proposed changes this concentration manifests itself.

Mr. Newton

The rates of income support illustrated in the technical annex to Cmnd. 9691 imply some increase in overall expenditure as compared to present rates of supplementary benefit and weekly additions to them. These increases manifest themselves in particular in the position of claimants over 25 in someone else's household. At present the ordinary rate for such claimants is £23.60 on top of which a non-householder's housing addition of £3.90 would be paid. On the assumptions in the illustrative annex such a person would receive £30.60.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give details of his plans for a transition period to avoid difficulties on the introduction of the new provisions contained in the Social Security Bill.

Mr. Newton

The main transitional proposals were set out in the White Paper "Reform of Social Security: Programme for Action" (Cmnd. 9691) published on 16 December 1985. Detailed plans are currently being developed to ensure that the new provisions are introduced as smoothly as possible.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the amount of money which will be lost or gained in (a) the city of Manchester, (b) Greater Manchester and (c) the north-west region as a result of the changes planned for benefits as a result of the Social Security Bill.

Mr. Newton

I regret this information is not available for(a) and (b), and for (c) could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.