§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations his Department has now received opposing the effects on young people of the board and lodgings regulations' time limits.
§ Mr. NewtonThe Department has received a substantial volume of correspondence on the board and lodgings regulations. Our records do not enable us to identify representations on particular aspects of the regulations separately.
§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what proportion of young people claiming board and lodgings benefit have moved to a different area when their benefit entitlement, under the board and lodgings regulations, expired;
(2) what proportion of young people claiming board and lodgings benefits have remained at the same address but have changed their benefit status to that of householder;
(3) what proportion of young people claiming board and lodgings benefit have returned to their parental home when their benefit entitlement under the board and lodgings regulations expired.
§ Mr. NewtonA survey of 2,350 claimants in the south east carried out between June and August 1985 showed that some 5 per cent. of the claimants concerned moved to a different local office area (not necessarily to a different board and lodging area). A similar proportion remained at the same address and changed their benefit status to householder, compared with over 28 per cent. who stayed at the same address as non-householders. This study did not identify separately claimants who returned to their parental homes. A much smaller study in Scotland found that about one-third of people who changed their address following reassessment returned to live with parents and a further sixth moved to friends, or other relatives. Most of the rest became householders. Indications from local offices generally support the broad findings of these studies.