§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is her policy concerning the role of investment income in the calculation of council tax benefit; and if she will make a statement. [22467]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyIncome derived from capital which has been invested is treated as capital but only from the date it is due to be credited to the claimant's account. This is because, to aid efficient administration, a notional (tariff) income is assumed where capital held by a claimant exceeds £3,000. To take into account both notional and actual income derived from same capital would be inequitable.