HC Deb 22 July 1996 vol 282 cc120-1

Lords amendment: No. 297, in page 160, line 35, at end insert— ("( ) For subsection (5) (agreements with other authorities for carrying out of functions) substitute— (5) Authorities may—

  1. (a) agree that one shall discharge functions relating to housing benefit on another's behalf, or
  2. (b) discharge any such functions jointly or arrange for their discharge by a joint committee.
(5A) Nothing in this section shall be read as excluding the general provisions of the Local Government Act 1972 or the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 from applying in relation to the housing benefit functions of a local authority.".")

Mr. Clappison

I beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said amendment.

Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Janet Fookes)

With this, it will be convenient to discuss also Lords amendments Nos. 298 and 299.

Mr. Clappison

The purpose of these amendments is to clarify the provisions that enable an authority to carry out housing benefit functions on behalf of or jointly with one or more other authorities and to introduce flexibility in the payment of housing benefit subsidy where authorities agree to combine activities.

Lords amendment agreed to.

Lords amendments Nos. 298 to 329 agreed to [one with Special Entry].

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