§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that orders to managers of social services offices use wide discretion in the granting of heating allowance to pensioners applying for them.
§ Mr. DeanThe Supplementary Benefits Commission has discretionary power to increase the benefit otherwise payable where there are exceptional circumstances, such as a need for extra heating. The commission has laid down specific criteria for the award of extra heating additions, but has instructed local officers to apply these criteria with sympathy and understanding.