§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the numbers receiving supplementary benefit heating additions at the lower rate and at the higher rate, for the reason that their accommodation is difficult to heat, for each of the last three years for which figures are available.
§ Dr. BoysonThe statistics available do not distinguish between claimants who receive a heating addition on health grounds (Supplementary Benefit (Requirements) Regulations Schedule 4 paragraph 1) and those who receive a heating addition because their homes are difficult to heat (Schedule 4 paragraph 2). The following numbers of people were receiving heating additions at the basic and higher rates on either grounds in December 1980, 1981 and 1982.
Number of claimants receiving supplementary benefit heating addition on health grounds or because their homes are difficult to heat (Schedule 4 peragraphs 1 and 2) (thousands) December Basic rate Higher rate 1980 642 335 1981 617 377 1982 617 381 Source: Annual Statistical Enquiries (ASE) 1980, 1981, and 1982.
NoteTable excludes those with other heating additions (eg age-related, estate rate, disabled person's and central heating additions). Some claimants with an underlying title to a heating addition on grounds of 713W health or because the home is difficult to heat (Schedule 4 paragraphs 1 and 2) receive a heating addition on other grounds and are recorded in the ASE as receiving a heating addition on those other grounds; these claimants are not included in the table above.