HC Deb 05 July 1972 vol 840 cc154-5W
Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the prescribed amount of pocket money for residents of residential homes for old people under the supplementary benefit system; when this figure was laid down; and what increase would be needed to compensate for the reduction in purchasing power since that level was first prescribed.

Mr. Alison

The current amount of £1.20 per week came into operation on 20th September, 1971. The increase needed to compensate for the change in the general index of retail prices between September, 1971 and May, 1972 (the latest date for which figures are available) would be 5½p.