§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the present rate of supplement available to pensioners in regard to coal and smokeless fuel costs; and whether there will be an increase to cover the recent increase in fuel costs.
§ Mr. AlisonThe weekly supplementary benefit scale rates which are intended to cover most day-to-day expenses, including fuel costs, are £23.70 for a lone householder over pensionable age and £37.65 for a married couple. These rates will increase to £27.15 and £43.45 from 24 November 1980. Supplementary benefit heating additions, which are payable to beneficiaries who need extra warmth or whose homes are centrally heated currently range from 65p to £3.75 per week and will be reviewed on the same date.