§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the value of the element within income support which covers community charge payments for(a) single people aged under 25 years, (b) single people aged over 25 years, and (c) a couple, in 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93 and 1993–94.
§ Miss WiddecombeIncome support levels were adjusted in April 1989 to include help towards the average 20 per cent. contribution to the community charge. The amounts included were:
- (a) for single people under 25 years and each member of a couple—£1.15;
- (b) for single people over 25 years—£1.30.
These amounts now form an integral part of overall benefit rates which were uprated in April 1990 by 5.2 per cent. and in April 1991 by 8.1 per cent. Overall benefit rates are reviewed in the autumn and benefit levels for 1992–93 will be announced then.
116WThe Government have proposed that from April 1993, when the new council tax is introduced, maximum benefit for those on income support and equivalent levels of income will be 100 per cent. of their liability for the new tax. There would be no minimum contribution to the new tax.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much money income support claimants are expected to pay to local authorities in 1991–92, 1992–93 and 1993–94.
§ Miss WiddecombeIncome support recipients have to pay a 20 per cent. contribution towards the community charge. Across Great Britain as a whole this will amount on average to around 80p a week during 1991–92, taking no account of charge capping.
Estimates for 1992–93 are not available. However, the Government propose that from the introduction of the council tax in April 1993, maximum benefit for income support recipients will be 100 per cent. of their liability and there will be no minimum contribution.