§ Mr. Fabian HamiltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to treat housewives as independent individuals for social security purposes. [89888]
§ Angela EagleWomen are already treated as independent individuals for most contributory benefit purposes (apart from Widow's Benefit or where an addition for an adult dependant is being claimed). Within the income related benefits we target benefit on those in greatest need by looking at the family unit. A couple is treated as a single unit and benefit calculated on the basis of the couple's needs and resources.