§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the effect of the introduction of the council tax on the standard of living of those of retirement age who are receiving income support or who are just above income support level.
§ Mr. BurtWith the introduction of the council tax the standard of living for most people on income support will improve, as will that of those on slightly higher incomes. Around 5 million claimants receiving income support, including 1.7 million over-60s, will benefit from the decision not to withdraw the current element added to the income-related benefits to help meet the community charge. The total additional help effectively made available will be around £750 million in 1993–94, £260 million of which relates to people over 60.