HC Deb 22 November 1984 vol 68 c236W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the total amount of all benefits paid to families of striking miners since the commencement of the strike;

(2) what is the total weekly amount of all benefit paid to the families of striking miners;

(3) how many different benefits are available to families of striking miners; and if he will detail them together with their individual take-up.

Mr. Fowler

The total amount of supplementary benefit paid to families of striking miners since the strike began had reached about £23 million by 6 November. The weekly total paid has fluctuated but is now about £738,000. In addition recipients of supplementary benefit will, where applicable, have their rent and rates paid in full through housing benefit. The amount of supplementary benefit paid takes account of the fact that any family with children will continue to receive child benefit.

Depending on circumstances and on the satisfaction of relevant conditions either a striker or a member of his family may be entitled to receive other benefits including:

  • One-parent benefit;
  • Family Income Supplement;
  • Disablement benefits and related allowances;
  • War pensions and related allowances;
  • Mobility allowance;
  • Maternity allowances;
  • Sickness and other incapacity benefits.

Payment of some of these benefits is taken into account in assessing entitlement to supplementary benefit. Information about expenditure on these benefits for striking miners or their families is not recorded separately.