§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what analysis his Department has made of the fuel bills of disabled people and carers, and the effects of a value added tax charge on those bills, in his consideration of the uprating of(a) income-related benefits and (b) other benefits for disabled people and carers.
§ Mr. BurtOur conclusions in regard to the impact of VAT on people on low incomes, including those who are disabled or carers, will be made public in the normal way in the autumn statement on benefit uprating. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has made it clear that extra help will be given to poorer pensioners and others on low incomes.
§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures his Department will take to ensure that disabled people and carers on income-related benefits who have higher than average fuel bills are fully compensated for the introduction of a value added tax charge on domestic fuel.
§ Ms AbbottTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps are being taken to assist single mothers to afford the new tax provision on heating; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BurtIn his budget statement the Chancellor said that there would be extra help for poorer pensioners and those on low incomes. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be announcing the details of this extra help in the autumn.