§ Mrs. Rosie BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures are being taken, following the recent changes in social security regulations, to ensure that those previously entitled to 100 per cent. rate assistance, and who live in highly rated areas, will receive sufficient income support to offset having to pay at least 20 per cent. of their rates from 1 April.
§ Mr. ScottAs we made clear in the White Paper "Reform of Social Security" (Cmnd. 9691) the Government are firmly of the view that local accountability must be improved by giving everyone a financial interest in the level of domestic rates charged by their local authority. The income support rates include compensation to reflect the average amount the recipients will have to contribute: to provide further compensation on an individual basis would undermine the purpose of requiring everyone to meet at least 20 per cent. of their rates.