Board and Lodging Payments

HC Deb 02 May 1985 vol 78 cc237-8W

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will define the term hostel under the regulations relating to board and lodging payments for young people.

Mr. Whitney

The term "hostel" is defined in paragraph 7(i) of schedule 1A of the Supplementary Benefit (Requirements and Resources) Miscellaneous Provisions Regulations 1985 (SI 1985, No. 613).

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what considerations were taken into account in designating Wisbech a resort for the purpose of the new regulations relating to board and lodging payments for young people.

Mr. Whitney

The board and lodging areas are groups of local social security office areas, which have been drawn up taking account of the Department and Employment travel-to-work areas to reflect as far as possible established accommodation, employment and travelling patterns. Having regard to the board and lodging area as a whole in which Wisbech lies, it was considered that a two-week limit was appropriate for payment as a boarder for certain young people aged 25 and under.