§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give guidance to local authorities 61W on the use of a single form which can be used to claim both rent and rates rebates; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe Department has twice since this Government took office recommended to local authorities the use of combined application forms. Since a sample survey less than a year ago indicated that the great majority of such authorities were using combined forms, I do not propose at present to issue further guidance. It is of course for authorities themselves to decide on the use of such forms, but we hope that those not using them will consider whether it is in their own and in their claimants' interest to do so.