§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what help he intends to introduce for those in 859W receipt of retirement pensions to assist them in paying increased water charges and increased standing charges for water.
§ Mr. Peter LloydRetirement pension is uprated in line with the percentage movement in the retail prices index which reflects increases in water charges and standing charges for water.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he has any proposals to assist those in receipt of income support to pay increased water charges and increased standing charges for water.
§ Mr. Peter LloydUnlike supplementary benefit, water charges are not a separately identifiable element in the income support rates. Compensation for water charges was included as a once and for all adjustment from April 1988. The income support personal allowance will be uprated from April 1990 but decisions on the amount of the increase will not be taken until the autumn.