§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many representations he has received on his changes to the payment of mortgage interest for claimants. [19706]
290W
§ Mr. Roger Evans[pursuant to his reply, 19 March 1996, c. 162]: Unfortunately, there was an error in my oral reply. The correct reply is as follows:
Our intention was that the system of add back should protect the benefit entitlement of existing claimants at the point of change when the standard rate was introduced in October last year. It was never our intention that add-back should provide permanent protection. Where Mr. Tickle's case is concerned I have caused further inquires to be made. I am told that he has a mortgage that is fixed up to a certain level and then variable above that level. It also appears that the system of add back is working as we intended. It provided Mr. Tickle with complete protection at the point of change, and is continuing to provide some protection.