§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has any additional information on the income levels up to which community charge benefits will be payable for the personal circumstances contained in the reply to the hon. Member for Taunton of 1 November 1989, Official Report, columns233–34, on a community charge in 1990–91 of £350.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardMy reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton on 1 November 1989 showed the relevant income levels using the benefit rates applicable from 1 April 1990 on an assumed community charge of £350. I have nothing further to add.
§ Mr. DewarTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many Scots are eligible for poll tax rebates at less than the maximum rate in 1989–90;
(2) how many Scots are receiving the maximum 80 per cent. poll tax rebate in 1989–90;
(3) how many single householders in Scotland are (a) eligible for the maximum 80 per cent. poll tax rebate and (b) eligible for poll tax rebate at less than the maximum rate, in 1989–90.
§ Mrs. Gillian Shephard[holding answer 22 February 1990]: Information is available only on numbers estimated to be receiving community charge rebates, not numbers eligible. In 1989–90, some 320,000 claimants in Scotland are receiving rebates at less than the maximum rate and 560,000 at the maximum rate. About 280,000 single householders are receiving maximum rebate and 120,000 less than the maximum. Claims from couples are counted as one.