Social Security Payments: Uprating
Debate between Lord Davies of Gower and Lord Howell of Guildford
Lord Davies of Gower (Con)
I am grateful for that question. We are committed to supporting disabled people, which is why we recently paid £150 to 6 million disabled people. For additional needs disability benefits and carers’ benefits, the Secretary of State conducts a review once the relevant CPI figure is published and makes a decision in accordance with the requirements of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.
Lord Howell of Guildford (Con)
My Lords, who actually knows what the inflation rate will be in the immediate future, over the next 12 months? Many people believe that the price of oil and gas, and energy generally, may fall quite sharply. They do not really know, but many believe that. Is it not wise to pause to see more clearly what is coming, before we rush into judgment on this issue?
Lord Davies of Gower (Con)
The noble Lord makes a good point, but we will have to wait to see what the indices indicate at a future date before 25 November.