§ Mr. Alexander W. Lyonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many retirement pensioners are receiving heating allowances from the Supplementary Benefits Commission, and at what rate; and how many applications have been rejected in the last year for which records were kept.
§ Mr. DeanThe 1.8 million retirement pensioners who receive supplementary pensions benefit from the provision for normal heating requirements included in the scale rate, and from the long-term addition which is intended to help meet special expenses including those incurred on heating. In addition, 159,000 supplementary pensioners were in November 1971—the latest date for which figures are available—receiving discretionary in-262W creases of benefit for extra heating. Such additions are made at 30p, 60p, or 90p a week, and exceptionally at a higher rate, according to the claimant's heating needs. Records are not kept of rejected claims for discretionary additions.
§ Mr. Alexander W. Lyonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of providing a heating allowance of £2.50 per week to each retired single person and retired couple.
§ Mr. DeanAbout £750 million a year, on the assumption that the allowances were paid in addition to existing benefits.
§ Mr. Alexander W. Lyonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many local authorities have used the power under Section 45 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 to provide heating appliances for old people.