§ Mr. StrawTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what definition of a full-time student he applies in respect of eligibility for the community charge rebate for students.
§ Mr. David HuntThe eligibility criteria for the student relief are set out in the Personal Community Charge (Students) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/443). Advice to charging authorities on the application of these regulations is contained in community charge practice note No. 23, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidelines are given to local authorities administering the community charge, concerning the savings which(a) a married couple, (b) partners cohabiting and (c) single people may have before the £8,000 threshold is applied; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardI have been asked to reply.
The housing benefit guidance manual (chapter 6), together with the community charge benefit guidance manual, provides local authorities with detailed guidance on the assessment of capital for married and unmarried partners, and for single claimants. Copies of both manuals are in the Library.