§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will reduce the sum of £4 assumed income per week per £1,000 savings which is applied in determining benefits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BurtIn all the income-related benefits, savings up to £3,000 is ignored. Deductions from benefit for capital in excess of this amount are designed to ensure that help is targeted on those who need it most, while not denying benefit to those with only a moderate amount of capital. The rules are kept under review, but we have no plans for change.