asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in the light of the reply given by the Minister for Health to Parliamentary Question No. 266 of April 26 1983, he will amend the relevant regulations to raise the maximum rent allowance of £5 without ministerial consent, under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme, so as to restore it to its 1977 value in money terms.
Written Answers. - Rent Allowance.
506.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowances scheme there is provision for additional weekly payments in respect of rent, where the rent payable by the person exceeds £1.50 per week or in respect of special needs. Where it is proposed to pay such weekly additions they are subject to the consent of the Minister for Social Welfare where the amount involved is over £5 a week. Amounts in excess of £5 may of course be paid with the consent of the Minister and in practice this consent is readily given. The specified limits of £1.50 and £5 respectively have remained unchanged since the introduction of the scheme.
Examination of the question of raising the £5 limit has highlighted a number of related issues which may also require reconsideration. The whole question of payments in respect of rents is still under examination and any decision regarding changes to the £5 limit must await completion of this review.