HC Deb 27 January 1992 vol 202 cc470-2W
Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what element of the income support calculation relates to water rates; and how this is determined.

Miss Widdecombe

There is no separate element for water rates in income support payments. Water is one of many items of expenditure which vary. The general movement of prices is reflected in the uprating index applied to income support, and the other income-related benefits.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently announced that the uprating index used for the income-related benefits has been modified to include water rates, certain miscellaneous housing costs and, 1992–93 benefit only, 20 per cent. of the community charge to which claimants will be liable, until the end of March 1993.