§ Mr. Nottasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the additional cost to the Exchequer of assessing only the income at a notional rate from personal savings of not more than £2,000, rather than the capital sum itself, for the purpose of deciding eligibility for supplementary pension.
§ Mr. DeanIn accordance with the Ministry of Social Security Act, 1966, the Supplementary Benefits Commission already treats capital as equivalent to weekly income at a fixed rate, as opposed288W to regarding the whole capital as available to meet the claimant's weekly requirements. The rate fixed is 5p a week for each £25 of capital between £300 and £800 and 12½p a week for each £25 above £800.