§ 42. Mr. Durantasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to increase the take up of heating allowances next winter.
§ Mr. DeakinsThis is a matter for the Supplementary Benefits Commission, which has power to make additions to the weekly rate of supplementary benefit in cases where there are exceptional circumstances. The number of additions to provide for extra heating has increased substantially and is continuing to increase. In November 1973, 503,000 supplementary beneficiaries—including 445,000 supplementary pensioners—were receiving such additions. By February 1975 the figure had increased to 744,000–644,000 pensioners—and by February 1976, the most recent date available, to 1,010,000–849,000 pensioners. Currently, over 50 per cent. of supplementary pensioners receive additions for extra heating.