HC Deb 06 November 1989 vol 159 cc462-3W
Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of income support is allocated for poll tax payments in(a) Bristol, (b) south-west region and (c) nationally.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

Income support levels were adjusted on a national basis in April this year to include help towards the average contribution to the community charge that recipients would be expected to pay. The amounts included were £1.15 a week for single people aged 18–24, £1.30 a week for single people aged 25 or over and £2.30 a week for couples. These amounts now form part of the overall benefit levels which will he up-rated from April next year.