§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the fact that maintenance payments received by a family are regarded as income for the purpose of computing rent rebates, he will amend the model scheme in order that such expenditure may be deducted from the income of those making such payments when their entitlement to rebate is computed.
§ Mr. ArmstrongNo. The Advisory Committee on Rent Rebates and Rent Allowances has recently reconsidered this matter and, taking into account the administrative burden involved and local authorities' discretionary powers to make extra payments in appropriate cases, has advised against making a change. My right hon. Friend accepts this view.