To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if there are any plans under the council tax benefit scheme to alter the position of the groups currently exempt from deductions for non-dependents; and if he will make a statement.

The proposed system of nondependent deductions in council tax benefit will follow broadly the rules which apply in housing benefit. However, exemption from deductions will be extended to include non-dependents on income support, or those who would otherwise give rise to a discount.