§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the maximum amount which his local offices in Aberdeen pay to persons on social security who say they need accommodation for a week; and whether his Department pays this in advance.
§ Mr. OrmeThe maximum amount of supplementary benefit payable varies acording to the individual's circumstances and the type of accommodation, but the maximum paid to a single unemployed man in lodgings with full board in Aberdeen, where charges are very high, is currently around £26 for the board and lodging plus a standard £4.70 for all other expenses. Supplementary benefit is normally paid to meet the claimant's requirements for the ensuing week, subject to the usual checks about entitlement.