Rent Rebates

HC Deb 12 February 1981 vol 998 c416W

Mr. John Grant

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the cost to public funds of rent rebates during 1978–79 and 1979–80.

Mr. Stanley

Outturn expenditure on rent rebates, excluding administrative costs but including rebates paid in effect through the supplementary benefit scheme, for England during 1978–79 and 1979–80, was £342 million and £390 million respectively.

Mr. John Grant

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated cost to public funds of rent rebates during 1980–81 taking account of the rising numbers eligible.

Mr. Stanley

On the basis of the latest housing subsidy claim forms, it is estimated that outturn expenditure on rent rebates, excluding administrative costs but including rent rebates paid in effect through the supplementary benefit scheme, will be about £480 million.

Mr. John Grant

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated cost to public funds of rent rebates during 1981–82 taking account of the rising numbers eligible.

Mr. Stanley

I must ask the hon. Member to await publication of the public expenditure White Paper and the Supply Estimates 1981–82.