§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list in theOfficial Report any revisions he is making in the taper system for income support, family credit, housing benefit and community charge rebate, following the Chancellor's announcement of the increased savings threshold.
§ Mr. ScottWe believe that the present rules for taking account of capital holdings strikes the right balance between ensuring that state benefits are available to those with the greatest need and that personal thrift is not78W discouraged. We shall monitor carefully the effects of the changes to the upper capital limit to ensure this balance is maintained. The community charge benefit taper, whereby benefit entitlement is reduced by 15p for every £1 of income in excess of the applicable amount, is more generous than with the former rate rebate scheme.