§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many different means tests are currently in use; and if he will list them together with a summary of the criteria in each case.
§ Mr. Orme, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 24th May 1978; Vol. 950. c. 607], gave the following information:
I refer the hon. Member to my reply on 6th June—[Vol. 951, c. 81–3.]—which included a list of 18 means-tested benefits and schemes administered centrally or by local authorities on a statutory basis. The hon. Member will have appreciated from that reply that the criteria match the extremely wide diversity of personal circumstances which these benefits and schemes were designed to cover. The criteria are summarised in a set of leaflets and notes that I am sending to him. If he would like any further details, I shall be glad to provide them.
As I mentioned in my earlier reply, there are also a number of means-tested benefits which are administered by local authorities on a discretionary basis. Details of the means test involved are for the local authority to determine in each case.