§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has any plans to take steps to help pensioners presently disqualified from community charge benefit due to(a) receipt of an occupational pension or (b) the tariff income rules on savings above £3,000; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardWe have no such plans. It is a common feature of all income-related benefits, including community charge benefit, that income from occupational pensions and any tariff income from savings is counted as income when benefit claims are assessed. This approach achieves the Government's policy of targeting help on those who need it most.