Social Security

Council tax benefit is a salient point in relation to the order. I have to tell the hon. Member for South Swindon (Anne Snelgrove) that many pensioners are recognising the shortfall in their finances given what they have to pay for fuel and food, as well as the high council tax increases they will have to pay. The situation is difficult for many pensioners and I think she will find that few of them regard their finances with the same degree of satisfaction as Labour Members—[Interruption.]