Vol. 483 No. 4
129 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of new applicants for free fuel allowance who would qualify if the disregard figure was increased to £20, £25, £30 or £35; the extra annual cost per year in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the discouragement the current system gives to those who took out small occupational pensions. [20751/97]
It is estimated that some 3,300 new applicants would qualify for a free fuel allowance if the income limit was increased by bands of £5 from £15 to £35 as outlined.
|
Limit |
Additional Number |
Additional Cost |
|
£ |
£ |
|
|
20 |
850 |
159,000 |
|
25 |
1,700 |
318,000 |
|
30 |
2,500 |
468,000 |
|
35 |
3,300 |
618,000 |
