Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Supplementary Benefit – 27 November 1986

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Supplementary Benefit on 27th November 1986.

Mr. Gould Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what account has been taken in constructing the scales of supplementary benefit of the substantial increase in house insurance premiums.

Mr. Major The supplementary benefit scale rates are intended to meet all normal day-to-day living expenses except housing costs, but including insurance of the contents of the home. Claimants who are owner-occupiers or who are otherwise liable for the maintenance and insurance of the structure of their homes receive a special addition of £1.85 a week, increasing to £1.95 a week from April 1987. Where the actual cost of insurance exceeds the standard allowance a higher allowance may be payable if, because of special circumstances (for example high fire risk) higher than average expenditure is justified.