HC Deb 21 November 1979 vol 974 cc218-9W
Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what level supplementary benefit disregards would have to be raised now in order to implement the recommendation of the Finer committee; and what is the best estimate of the current cost of raising them to this level (a) for all claimants except the unemployed, (b) for all claimants and (c) for one-parent families only.

Mr. Prentice

The Finer committee recommended that there should be an increase in supplementary benefit disregards so that at least they kept pace with increases in the cost of living. To

1966 Present level Amount needed to restore real value to 1966 level Approximate annual cost
£ £ £ £ million
Earnings disregard for one parent families 2 6 7.60 2
Earnings disregard for others (including wives) except the unemployed 2 4 7.60 7
Earnings disregard for the unemployed 1 2 3.80 ½
Disregard of miscellaneous income including charitable payments 1 4 3.80