I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 128 together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides weekly payments to persons whose means are not sufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. In addition to basic weekly payments the scheme provides by way of additions to the basic SWA payment for assistance in meeting additional needs which may not be met by the basic payment. In the case of rent, assistance can be provided towards rent payments in excess of £1.50 a week, the amount of the assistance in any particular case being a matter for the health board to determine, having regard to the circumstances.
Where a person is receiving a weekly payment other than basic suplementary welfare allowance, assistance towards rent payments can also be given. The amount of assistance in such cases is determined by the health board to be appropriate to meet the person's needs.
It has been the practice to calculate the amount of assistance towards rent in all cases in such a way as to ensure that the person should have, after payment of rent, a net weekly income not less than the basic level of supplementary welfare allowance less £1.50. This practice is considered to be a reasonable one. However, the whole area of rent supplementation and other aspects of the operation of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme are under review and the matter raised in the question is being examined in that context.
127.