§ 35. Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment is made of the minimum level of weekly disposable income required by(a) a single adult resident in London aged between 25 and 50 years, (b) a married couple resident in London aged between 50 and 60 years and (c) a single pensioner living in London aged between 65 and 70 years, in determining benefit levels. [29111]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThere is no objective way of deciding what are adequate benefit rates. Levels of benefit need to take account of the competing demands on public expenditure and work incentives. Premiums are added to Income Support payments to take account of the particular needs of specific groups. Income Support is not intended to replace a decent pension or a good job.