HC Deb 08 November 1989 vol 159 cc666-7W
Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretaryof State for Social Security if he will list in theOfficial Report the various capital limits that have existed for each relevant social security benefit, including housing benefit, since 1979, above which no benefit is payable.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

The information requested is as follows:

Supplementary benefit (to April 1988) Income support (from April 1988) Family income supplement (to April 1988) Rent rebates and rent allowances1 to April 1983)
Family Credit (from April 1988) Housing benefit (from 1982–83) Community charge benefit (from April 1989)
November 1982 Up to £2,500 ignored. No entitlement to benefit if capital exceeded £2,500 No capital limit No capital limit
November 1983 Up to £3,000 ignored. No entitlement to benefit if capital exceeded £3,000 No capital limit No capital limit
April 1988 Up to £3,000 ignored. Over £3,000, an income of £1 a week is taken into account for each £250, or part of £250, between £3,000 and £6,000.No entitlement to benefit if capital exceeds £6,000 As in Income Support As in Income Support
May 1988 to date As above As in Income Support Up to £3,000 ignored. Over £3,000, an income of £1 a week is taken into account for each £250, or part of £250, between £3,000 and £8,000.No entitlement to benefit if capital exceeds £8,000

1 Note. —Between 1979 and the phased introduction of I-lousing rent rebate, rent allowance and rate rebate schemes which were not Social Security benefits.

Forward to