§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give precise details of the calculation he made before uprating means-tested benefits by 7 per cent. rather than 7.2 per cent. for April 1992.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe new index to be used in April 1992 differs from its predecessor in that water and sewerage charges, 20 per cent. of the community charge and miscellaneous housing costs—dwelling insurance and ground rent, repair and maintenance charges, do-it-yourself materials—will be included. Rent and mortgage interest remain wholly excluded. The new index shows a rise of 7 per cent. in September 1991 compared with its level in September 1990.