§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what account he takes of fluctuations in interest rates paid to savers on the notional income received by income support claimants with savings.
§ Mr. BurtTreatment of notional income support claimants is designed to give most help to people with the least savings. The formula is not linked to, nor is it meant to imply, any particular rate of return which would be secured from investment.
Consequently, while the formula is kept under review, it would not be appropriate to amend it to reflect directly fluctuations in interest rates paid to savers.