HC Deb 11 May 1970 vol 801 cc213-4W
68. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, what representations he has received, and from what bodies, concerning the loss of social security benefits suffered by members of local authorities.

Mr. O'Malley:

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the possible effect on some national insurance benefits if earnings have been reduced as a consequence of service as a local councillor. Since the introduction of earnings-related short-term benefits in 1966 representations have been received about this from the Urban District Councils Association, the County Councils Association Labour Group, the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, the Transport and General Workers Union, the Composite Section (Building Trade), the Welsh Council of Labour, the East Fife Constituency Labour Party, the Don- caster Trades Council and a small number of individuals.

69. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has given further consideration to the loss of social security benefits suffered by members of local authorities; what action he now proposes to take; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. O'Malley:

Graduated contributions and the earnings-related benefits which accrue from them are payable by reference to the actual earnings, and, while sympathy is felt for local councillors and others whose earnings are interrupted for any reason, it would not be practicable to calculate and take into account " notional " earnings for this purpose.

Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in respect of those persons who serve as members of local authorities, he will list the social benefits to which they are otherwise entitled but which are adversely affected as a result of social service.

Mr. O'Malley:

The earnings-related supplement to flat-rate unemployment and sickness benefit, the widows supplementary allowance and the graduated addition to retirement pension may be payable at a lower rate if earnings, and, therefore, graduated contributions, are reduced for any reason, including service as a member of a local authority.