HC Deb 12 November 1985 vol 86 cc150-1W
31. Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will increase the level of disregard in respect of all social security payments; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

In the Green Paper "Reform of Social Security" (Cmnd. 9518) we have proposed that the earnings disregard under income support should generally be increased to £5, and to £15 for certain groups; and that the overall capital disregard should be increased to £6,000, with a tariff income being applied to capital between £3,000 and £6,000.

Disregards relating to other benefits are kept under regular review and appropriate increases will come into force at the general uprating of benefits later this month.