§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his policy on the deduction of fines from income support at source.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe Criminal Justice Bill now before the House includes provision for repayment of fines by weekly deduction from income support in suitable cases. The regulations, which are intended to provide the detailed conditions, would maintain the existing maximum overall limit on the amount that can be deducted for debts, including fines. This provides a safeguard against too many deductions being made from benefit.