§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what account has been taken in constructing the scales of supplementary benefit of the substantial increase in house insurance premiums.
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§ Mr. MajorThe supplementary benefit scale rates are intended to meet all normal day-to-day living expenses except housing costs, but including insurance of the contents of the home. Claimants who are owner-occupiers or who are otherwise liable for the maintenance and insurance of the structure of their homes receive a special addition of £1.85 a week, increasing to £1.95 a week from April 1987. Where the actual cost of insurance exceeds the standard allowance a higher allowance may be payable if, because of special circumstances (for example high fire risk) higher than average expenditure is justified.