§ Mr. Dixonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment in the light of the hardship being incurred by pensioners and people on low incomes, if he will take steps to increase the maximum 298W allowed in rate rebates in line with the increase that took place in the household rates in April and make the increase retrospectively from that date.
§ Mr. KingThe present maximum rate rebate stands at £3.20 a week for applicants outside London and £4.50 in London. At this level the maximum has effect only if the rates bill is well above the average. I shall, however, keep the maximum rebate under review and will bear in mind the situation of pensioners and others on low incomes.