§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people on low incomes and below pension age he estimates will be worse off as a result of his announcement in the Budget to retain the imposition of VAT on domestic fuel and power; and what plans he has to compensate them beyond the automatic increases of benefits in line with inflation.
§ Mr. BurtThe effect of the introduction of VAT on domestic fuel is uncertain since it is difficult to estimate trends in fuel prices and the effect of VAT on consumers expenditure. We have announced details of extra help for people receiving social security benefits. The help above normal uprating will be worth £l.5 billion over three years and more than 15 million people will gain from these measures.