§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much money was paid by his Department in the last year for which figures are available in respect of rent and rates to social security claimants.
§ Mr. DeakinsIt is estimated that the amounts currently being included for rent and rates—and, where appropriate, for mortgage interest, repairs and insurance—in determining claimants' requirements for supplementary benefit average £5.11 a week, or £620 million in total on a yearly basis. As entitlement to supplementary benefit is calculated by deducting the claimant's assessed resources from his requirements, the amount of benefit paid is sometimes less than the amount included for rent and rates.