§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of the 14 priority recommendations contained in the first annual report from the Social Security Advisory Committee Her Majesty's Government intend to implement.
§ Mr. NewtonFour of the Social Security Advisory Committee's priority recommendations relating to restoration of the 2 per cent. shortfall will be implemented at the November 1982 uprating, as my right hon. Friend announced on 10 March—[Vol. 19, c. 850–65]—prior to the publication of the report. He also announced at the same time an increase to £2,500 in November 1982 in the capital cut-off point for claiming supplementary benefit, which forms part of a fifth recommendation by the committee. We are seeking to improve the standard of service provided by local offices, with recommendation 14 81W in mind. The Government recognise the importance of the remaining recommendations and will be considering them carefully, but implementation of any or all of them must depend on the availability of resources.