§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice is given by his Departmen: to local offices regarding the paying out of rent allowances where the private tenant is paying a high excessive rent; and what action is taken to advise the tenant to see a rent officer or go to the rent tribunal; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. O'MalleyThe Supplementary Benefits Commission is empowered under the Ministry of Social Security Act, 1966, to provide for rents which are "reasonable in the circumstances". Where in a long-term case a rent is not regarded as a reasonable one for a supplementary benefit claimant to pay, having regard to the general level of rents being paid by other claimants in the locality, and there is no way in which he can meet the balance over what the Commission can allow, e.g. from capital, he is usually advised to look for cheaper accommodation. The Commission can thus restrict sums allowed for rent even where an approach has not been made to the rent officer or rent tribunal. Where however it seems in such a case that the rent officer or rent tribunal would be likely to reduce the amount of the rent, the claimant is advised to approach the appropriate authority.