§ Sir Ian GilmourTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish figures giving the disposable incomes, after taking into account means-tested benefits of single-wage married couples with two children under five years and mortgages of(a) £20,000, (b) £30,000, (c) £40,000 and (d) £50,000, firstly when out of work and receiving income support and secondly when in work earning £100, £150, £200, £250 and £300 a week.
§ Mr. Peter LloydNo precise figures are available. There are a variety of different mortgages, and mortgage interest fluctuations mean that mortgage interest payments can vary during the course of any given year. Social security provision for income support claimants with mortgages varies with the period benefit has been in payment.
§ Sir Ian GilmourTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the maximum amount of mortgage interest payable with income support; and whether he will consider aligning the family credit regulations to take account of mortgage interest.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThere is no maximum amount of mortgage interest which can be met in income support, but the amount can be restricted in certain circumstances. We have no plans to allow for mortgage interest in the assessment of family credit.