HC Deb 06 December 1976 vol 922 cc71-2W
Mr. Ovenden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will increase the rate of supplementary benefit pair to lone parents in order to bring it above the single person's benefit rate.

Mr. Orme

I have no proposals for paying supplementary benefit to lone parents other than on the basis of the scale rate for a single person and the appropriate scale rates for children in

spending power of a single woman, whose rent is £5 and rates nill, in each of the following circumstances (a) earning £45 for a full week, with work expenses £8, (b) working part time and earning £27, with no work expenses, and (c) totally dependent on supplementary benefit.

Mr. Orme

As the time involved in making calculations on varying assumptions would be disproportionate, this answer is based on standard assumptions, which are that rent is £3.93, rates 1.58 and work expenses 1.75.

their care. The Supplementary Benefits Commission makes additional weekly or lump-sum payments to claimants with exceptional circumstances or needs.