Retirement Pensioners

19.

Mr. Loyden
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to introduce a rent-free scheme for retirement pensioners.

Mr. Deakins
My right hon. Friend has no such plans. It would be inappropriate to make provision for national insurance retirement pensioners to live rent free, irrespective of their financial circumstances. Pensioners with limited incomes are entitled to claim a rent rebate or allowance, a rate rebate or supplementary benefit.