§ 29. Mr. Harperasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why supplementary benefit offices do not offset the increases in rent and rates, to people on supplementary benefit, even when the time comes for their books to be renewed and reviewed and there has not been any change in circumstances.
§ Mr. DeanIncreases in rent and rates are taken into account straightaway if the resultant increase in supplementary benefit is more than 10p a week. If the increase in benefit is 10p a week or less, it is given from the date the next determination is issued.
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§ 39. Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why some supplementary benefits offices are paying rent and rate increases, plus arrears, while other offices are not, or are delaying paying the increases.
§ Mr. DeanLocal offices follow the same general rules in dealing with increases of this kind; it is the amount of the increase which determines whether it is paid straightaway or at a later date.