§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further consideration he has given to the grant-related expenditure methodologies for the arts; what further consideration he intends to give; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI have been asked to reply on behalf of the Minister for the Arts.
Grant-related expenditure methodologies generally are kept under regular review as part of the preparations for the annual rate support grant settlements. Detailed studies of the GRE methodology for the library service are continuing, and it is proposed similarly to examine the museum service GRE shortly. There is no separate GRE for other arts expenditure at present. As regards the possibility of developments in that respect, I refer the hon. Member to the reply sent by my right hon. and noble
Unemployment benefit plus child benefit Supplementary benefit including child benefit November 1983 £ November 1984 £ November 1983 £ November 1984 £ Couple plus 2 children (1 over 11, 1 under 11) 57.05 59.70 66.35 69.50 Couple plus 4 children (2 over 11, 2 under 11) 70.35 73.40 89.20 93.45 Couple plus 5 children (2 over 11, 3 under 11) 77.00 80.25 98.35 103.05 For a family with more than five children, unemployment benefit currently increases by 15p per child, but the child dependency addition will be abolished from 26 November 1984. For supplementary benefit, the rates increase by £9.60 (from 26 November) for each child under 11 and £13.70 or £14.35 respectively for each child aged 11 to 15.
Housing benefit may also be payable to assist with rent and rates: supplementary benefit recipients would generally have these housing costs met in full; for other claimants the amount of help would depend on the level of their rent and rates, the size and composition of the household and the amount of other income.