HC Deb 15 May 1985 vol 79 cc169-70W
Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of those eligible claimed (a) supplementary benefit, (b) family income supplement and (c) rent rebate, rate rebate or housing benefit in each of the last five financial years for which statistics are available.

Mr. Whitney

[pursuant to his reply, 10 May 1985, c. 543]: The available information is given in the table. The estimates of take-up of rent rebates and allowances and rate rebates relate to England and Wales. Estimates for Scotland are not available.

Estimates of take-up of supplementary benefit in 1983 are expected within the next two or three months. Further estimates of take-up of family income supplement and the first estimate of take-up under the 1983 housing benefit scheme are expected early next year.

Period covered Percentage taking up entitlement
(a) Supplementary benefit *1981 71
(b) Family income supplement †1981–82 about 50
(c) Rent rebates‡ 1980 70–75
1981 70–75
1982 70–75
Rent allowance‡ 1980 60–65
1981 60–65
1982 60–65
Rate rebate‡ 1980 70
1981 65
1982 65
* Covers the calendar year.
† Covers the two calendar years.
England and Wales only. Estimates relate to October in each year.