HC Deb 05 December 1973 vol 865 c399W
Mr. Galbraith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what changes he proposes in the present administrative arrangements for the payment of rent rebates and allowances to tenants in receipt of supplementary benefit.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

After consultation with the local authority associations, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services and I have decided to simplify the existing arrangements from May 1974, so that these tenants will have an addition to their supplementary benefit for that part of their rent now met by a rent rebate or allowance.

To maintain the housing authority's responsibility for rent rebates and allowances to supplementary benefit tenants in its area there will be a financial adjustment between the Department of Health and Social Security and the housing authority on a basis agreed with the local authority associations. Arrangements will be made to explain the effect of the change to the tenants concerned.