§ Mrs. Lena Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the practice of the Supplementary Benefits Commission in paying heating allowances to council tenants in receipt of supplementary benefit in cases where councils charge a fixed sum for central heating, irrespective of consumption; and whether he will ensure that such charges are automatically met, in addition to the council rent.
§ Mr. DeanWhere a fixed charge is made for central heating, up to £1 a week of the charge is attributed to the basic scale-rate. Where the charge exceeds £1 a special addition is paid to cover the excess to the extent that it cannot be met by the long-term addition of 50p a week (where payable) or any disregarded income the claimant may have. The procedure varies according to whether the charge for central heating is paid with the rent or separately, but the result is the same.