§ Mr. John Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are now receiving housing benefit in the London borough of Lambeth; and how this compares with the number separately receiving rent allowance, rent rebates, rate rebates and full payment of rent by the Supplementary Benefits Commission before the inception of the housing benefit scheme.
§ Dr. BoysonBased on information provided by the London borough of Lambeth the number of housing benefit recipients at January 1984 was as follows: 423W
Certificated Standard Rent rebates 17,807 11,940 Rent allowances 9,686 4,807 Rate rebate 28,826 22,350 We estimate that before housing benefit was introduced, there were about 24,500 claimants in Lambeth receiving help with rent and/or rates through supplementary benefits; and that under the old rebates and allowances scheme there were 8,782 rent rebates and 2,771 rent allowances in payment at April 1982; and 18,426 rate rebates awarded during 1982–83.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about housing benefits from the Manchester Child Poverty Action Group, Greater Manchester Campaign for the Homeless and Rootless, Manchester Women's Aid, Shelter (North West) and the Manchester Federation of Advice Centres; what reply he is sending; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonWe have received no representations, although the Department has received, and has noted, copies of "Housing Benefits Campaign Bulletin" (No. 3) prepared jointly by these organisations.