§ Mr. TimmsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of habitual residence tests on claimants for income support are conducted by interview; and what proportions of those who have failed the test were interviewed in person.
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to review paragraphs 4 and 13 of Schedule 2 of the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987.
§ Mr. Roger EvansWe have no plans to do so.
§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants have been refused income support under the habitual residence test(a) in total and (b) in each Benefits Agency office in England, Wales and Scotland; and how many in each case have won the appeal against this decision.
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe administration of income support is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Keith Bradley, dated 27 February 1995:
Gain from work at £3.20 per hour Hours worked Pay Income support Rent Housing benefit Council tax Council tax benefit Total net income Net income after payment of rent and council tax when in work Net income after payment of rent and council tax when not in work Net gain from work 8 25.60 25.10 30.91 30.91 6.60 6.60 88.21 50.70 45.70 5.00 16 51.20 — 30.91 30.59 6.60 6.50 88.29 50.78 45.70 5.08 Notes:
1. The person is assumed to be single, aged 25 or over, living in local authority accommodation and liable for average council tax and local authority rent.
2. The person is assumed to take-up full entitlement to income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit.
3. Tax and national insurance contributions are not payable at the earnings levels shown.