§ Mr. Squireasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the reason for the increase of over 7 per cent. in housing benefit non-dependant deductions between April and November 1984; and how much revenue he expects to raise by this increase in 1984–85 and in a full year.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe non-dependant deductions in the housing benefit and supplementary benefit schemes are being increased this month in line with the annual movement to May of the housing sub-component of the retail price index. There will be a corresponding increase in the supplementary benefit non-householder's contribution. These changes reflect normal uprating arrangements rather than cost saving measures.
The broad estimate of the net cost of not uprating the non-dependant deductions and non-householder contribution is approximately £5 million in 1984–85; approximately £15 million in a full year.