It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together
In last January's budget, I announced a number of improvements in the free schemes of telephone rental allowance, electricity allowance and colour television licence. From next July these schemes will be extended to low income pensioners who do not qualify at present because they do not get a social welfare pension.
The weekly income limit that is being fixed for this purpose will be the new maximum personal rate of old age contributory pension, £75 per week, plus any increases for dependants, plus £30. In determining the income limit for individual pensioners, account will also be taken of any increases, including the over-80 allowance and the living alone allowance, which would have been payable had the pensioner concerned been in receipt of old age (contributory) pension. In this regard, the adult dependant allowance will be determined by reference to age i.e. under or over age 66.
Pensioners whose net weekly means are under the income limit and who only have access to free travel at present, will now, for the first time, have access to the other free schemes referred to above.
The free fuel allowance, which is paid to eligible applicants from mid-October to mid-April each year, is not included in these measures. This allowance is designed specifically to assist qualified householders who are unable to provide for their own heating needs. It is payable only to those dependent on a long-term social welfare or health board payment or similar payment who must satisfy certain ‘living alone' conditions and also satisfy a means test.