§ Mr. Allen McKayasked the Secretary of State for the Social Services what consideration is being given to the amalgamation of the present schemes giving assistance with housing costs—rebates; and what safeguards he proposes to ensure that no one is adversely affected by the change, particularly in regard to entitlement to other benefits where claimants are in receipt of supplementary housing cost assistance.
§ Mrs. ChalkerMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales, have issued a consultative document on assistance with housing costs. The consultative document states that those existing supplementary benefit recipients who would otherwise be worse off as a result of the change would continue to receive support, while the position of future claimants would be considered further. Those claimants who would cease to receive supplementary benefit would continue to be eligible for assistance with NHS and prescription 35W charges under the existing arrangements for those with low incomes. Consideration is also being given to their entitlement to free school meals.