HC Deb 01 December 1980 vol 995 c50W
Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the extra expenditure on (a) supplementary benefit, and (b) rent rebates and allowances and rate rebates which is likely to result from the cut in the real value of child benefit in 1980–81.

Mr. Prentice

About £8½ million on supplementary benefit in the current financial year.

Rate rebates and allowances, and rent rebates, are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. However, I understand that the extra expenditure on rent and rate rebates in the current financial year which is likely to result from the change in the real value of child benefit is as follows:

£
Rent rebates 750,000
Rate rebates 400,000

These figures relate to England and Wales. No reliable estimates can be made in respect of rent allowances.