Thanks for that.
I’m still not convinced though, I should have made it clear that its the HB and CTB (State Pension Credit) Regs 2003 (SI 2003/325) that in Reg 6 amend HB reg 16 (applicable amounts) to now read that the applicable amount is reduced by the standard deduction, rather than reduced to the standard deduction.
I still think the handbook is wrong and the law looks pretty clear to me so I don’t think I have misread anything. In the majority of cases it will be academic anyway as most will fail the temporary absence test and no longer qualify for HB/CTB after 52 weeks hospitalisation anyway.
