§ 28. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secre tary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to assist retired people on fixed incomes who now face exceptional rate rises in the current year and fall just outside the rate rebates scheme.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettEntitlement to a rate rebate depends on a number of factors, including the amount of rates payable. So when rate bills rise, more people automatically come within the scope of the scheme. People on fixed incomes will also benefit from the annual uprating of the needs allowance built into the rate rebate scheme. I do not think any other special action is necessary.