I understand the Deputy is referring to the commitment in Partnership 2000 to modify the withdrawal rate of rent supplement, through the introduction of an appropriate tapering arrangement.
As the Deputy is aware the withdrawal of rent supplements paid under the supplementary welfare allowance, SWA, scheme could act as a disincentive to those seeking to take up employment in some cases. The primary difficulties relate to the weekly gross income limit and the rent and mortgage interest supplement cap of £250 per month as these limit the effectiveness of the two schemes, particularly for families with children.
The conditions for retention of secondary benefits, including the income limits and the ceilings on the amounts payable, were reviewed in consultation with the social partners in line with the Government's commitment under Partnership 2000.
Following those discussions, the Deputy may be aware that substantial changes to the conditions for the retention of secondary benefits by participants of the employment programme schemes were announced in budget 2000.
Family income supplement, FIS, and back to work allowance, BTW, payments will be disregarded for the purposes of the weekly £250 gross household income limit. In addition, the £250 cap on monthly rent-mortgage interest supplement will be abolished with effect from 6 April 2000 and the supplement will be tapered out over four years. Some 75% of the previous rate entitlement will be paid in year one, 50% in year two and 25% in years three and four.
Furthermore, people who take up part time employment or participate in training courses will have £25 of their earnings disregarded in the assessment of means for rent supplement.