§ Mr. Topeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the heating element in the scale rate for supplementary benefit.
§ Sir K. JosephThe supplementary benefit scale rate is not apportioned between elements for heating or other items of expenditure, since the individual needs and preferences of beneficiaries vary. For the purpose however of assessing certain additions to benefit the Supplementary Benefits Commission needs to make an assumption as to the average amount which claimants can reasonably be expected to spend on heating from the scale rate. This notional figure is currently £1.20 a week.