§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give the housing benefit entitlement of a widow aged 75 years, living alone, whose sole income is £46 per week with savings of less than £3,000 paying rent of(a) £20 per week, (b) £25 per week, (c) £30 per week, (d) £35 per week and (e) £40 per week.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardA 75-year-old widow, with this level of income and capital, would be entitled to maximum housing benefit because her personal allowance (applicable amount) of £51.10 is greater than her income. On the assumption that all the rent was eligible for housing benefit, and that the accommodation was not unreasonably expensive, this means that each of the rent levels quoted would be met in full. Such a claimant would also be well advised to apply for income support to bring her income up to the full amount of £51.10 provided for in the income support personal allowances.