HC Deb 22 February 1972 vol 831 cc250-1W
53. Mr. Albu

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the means tests to which a family in need is subjected if it claims all the benefits or rebates to which it may be entitled.

Sir K. Joseph

The answer would clearly depend on the circumstances of the family including the nature of their need. Certain benefits are administered by local authorities at their discretion and their availability would vary from one area to another.

The following list gives the main national statutory assessments. Receipt of supplementary benefit and family income supplement is a passport to entitlement to several of the other benefits listed without a further means test.

MEANS TESTS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY

  1. 1. Supplementary Benefits.
  2. 2. Free Welfare Foods (Milk and vitamins).
  3. 3. Relief from National Health Service Charges.
  4. 4. Patients' hospital travelling expenses.
  5. 5. Family Income Supplements.
  6. 6. Legal Aid (Civil).

ADMINISTERED BY THE LAW SOCIETIES

  1. 7. Legal Aid (Civil claims not involving proceedings).
  2. 8. Legal Advice.

ADMINISTERED BY THE COURTS UNDER GUIDANCE OF THE HOME DEPARTMENTS

  1. 9. Legal Aid (Criminal).

ADMINISTERED BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES

  1. 10. Free School Meals.
  2. 11. Higher Education Awards (designated courses).
  3. 12. Rate Rebates.

NOTES:

(1) Supplementary beneficiaries and recipients of family income supplement qualify without a further means test for free welfare milk and foods, free school meals for their children, relief from prescription optical and dental charges and refund of patients' hospital travelling expenses. In addition, provided that their benefit includes the full amount of rent and rates, supplementary beneficiaries would not need to apply for a rate rebate.

(2) Under the provisions of the Housing Finance Bill, now before the House, local authorities will be required to implement the proposed statutory scheme of rent rebates for council house tenants, and rent allowances for tenants of private unfurnished accommodation, not later than 1st October, 1972, and 1st January, 1973, respectively.