§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy that the payment of water and sewerage charges as a separate payment on top of basic weekly benefit should be reintroduced for those receiving income support; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roger EvansNo. One of the Governrnent's aims in introducing the reformed social security scheme in April 1988, was to leave customers free to manage their own affairs in the light of their own circumstances and preferences. Water and sewerage charges should be treated in a similar manner to other items of expenditure in the family budget.