§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the definition of personal requirement used to determine the amount of supplementary benefit payable where resources are claimed to be inadequate.
§ Mr. OrmeThe Supplementary Benefits Commission regards "normal weekly requirements" as covering all normal day-to-day expenses including food, fuel, light and clothing but not rent. The amounts fixed by Parliament to cover these requirements, excluding rent, are set out in Part II of Schedule 1 to the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976. The Commission may also make additional payments where there are exceptional circumstances or needs.