HC Deb 22 December 1972 vol 848 cc486-7W
Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will carry out an investigation into the working of the rent rebate scheme, with particular reference to the type of case, whereby a chronically sick married man with three young children in receipt of £21.75 per week, with a maximum rent rebate of £2.18, but from whom £2.10 is then deducted from his social security benefit, so that his rent rebate is worth 8p.

Mr. Channon

As the hon. Member will appreciate, if supplementary benefit were not reduced by the amount of any rent rebate or allowance granted, the tenant would be receiving help towards his rent twice from public funds.