§ 44. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, as the decision of Her Majesty's Government not to increase the needs allowance in the calculation of rent and rates rebates has resulted in pensioners of the same incomes receiving different rebates, depending on whether application was made before or after 22nd July, if he will now raise the needs allowance so that equal treatment will be given.
§ Mr. FreesonI am at present reviewing the level of the needs allowance.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now increase the needs allowance given to retirement pensioners who apply for rent and rate rebates after 22nd July.
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§ Mr. FreesonI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Shrewsbury (Sir J. Langford-Holt).