HC Deb 12 January 1981 vol 996 cc441-2W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish details of the action promised in October by the Under-Secretary of State in respect of

panel 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972
Cardiff 2 1 — 2 — 4
Glasgow 2 3 3 2 3 6
London 3 2 2 1 — 3

capital limits operative for supplementary benefit claimants and referred to by the Under-Secretary of State on 16 December 1980.

Mrs. Chalker

The supplementary benefits policy inspectorate is undertaking an inquiry into the operation of the new capital cut-off rule for supplementary benefit. In the course of its inquiry, the inspectorate will seek to identify the extent to which life assurance policies affect entitlement to supplementary benefit.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether, to mark the International Year of Disabled People, he will take steps to uprate the diet allowance for disabled people on supplementary benefit; and if he will make a statement; (2) whether, to mark the International Year of Disabled People, he will seek to uprate the laundry allowance for disabled people on supplementary benefit; and if he will make a statement; (3) whether, to mark the International Year of Disabled People, he will seek to increase discretionary payments for disabled people on supplementary benefit for domestic help; and if he will make a statement; (4) if, to mark the International Year of Disabled People, he will seek to increase discretionary payments for clothing and footwear for disabled people on supplementary benefit; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

No. Additions for laundry, wear and tear on clothing and footwear, domestic help and special diets are not fixed amounts—they reflect the actual costs incurred.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if persons holding life policies, with a surrender value of less than £2,000, but capital resources of more than £2,000 including such life policies are excluded from claiming supplementary benefit.

Mrs. Chalker

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.