§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many pensioner households lost housing benefit as a result of the changes which came into effect in November 1985; and how many of these lost (a) up to £1 a week, (b) between £1 and £2 a week, (c) between £2 and £3 a week and (d) more than £3 a week.
§ Mr. MajorI assume my hon. Friend has in mind the changes other than the normal uprating changes. The estimated number of pensioners whose housing benefit was less than it would otherwise have been because of the increase in the rate rebate taper above the needs allowance, offset where appropriate by the real improvement in the dependent child addition to the needs allowance, in November 1985 is as follows:
Thousands, Great Britain Reduction Pensioners affected Up to £1 1,310 £1 to £2 140 £2 to £3 10 Over £3 * TOTAL 1,460 * Less than 5,000.