§ Miss Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give instructions to local offices regarding the grant of allowances for pensioners affected by the increase in the cost of a television licence.
§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what guidance he has issued to local offices for making increased allowances to pensioners directly affected by the increased charge for television licences;
(2) what guidance he has issued to local offices for making increased allowances to disabled people directly affected by the increased charge for television licences.
§ Mr. SwinglerNo specific instructions have been given. The cost of television licences is included in the index to retail prices, which is taken into account in determining supplementary benefit scale rates. These rates, which were increased last October, contain a margin for amenities which people can, if they wish, spend on items like television.