§ Mr. Squireasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many families with children will receive less housing benefit in April 1984 than they would do if the changes proposed in the autumn statement were to be implemented and the child's needs allowance were to be raised by £1 as originally planned; and if he will give some indication of their income level.
§ Dr. BoysonI regret that a reliable estimate of the numbers concerned is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Income levels will vary but those on supplementary benefit are not affected. Families with dependent children will, however, benefit from the revised proposals for real increases in the child's needs allowance in November 1984 and April 1985. By April 1985, the allowance will have been increased by £1.50 a week instead of £1 as originally proposed.