HC Deb 06 November 1986 vol 103 cc604-5W
Mr. Frank Field

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will present a table showing the total payments to, and the number of unemployed people receiving, housing benefit in Great Britain for each year since 1979.

Mr. Lyell

[pursuant to the reply, 23 May 1986, c. 373–74]: The information is in the following table.

Unemployed Housing Benefit Recipients: Estimated Caseload and Expenditure
Great Britain
1979–801 1980–811 1981–821 1982–831 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86
Caseload (thousands) 50 90 140 570 1,400 1,450 1,450
Expenditure (£million) 10 30 60 240 920 1,050 1,150
1 Housing benefit was introduced for some in November 1982 and for all in April 1983. It replaced the former DOE rent rebate and allowance, and rate rebate schemes. Additionally it brought in those who formerly received help with their rent and rates through supplementary benefit. The estimates before April 1983 relate to the former DOE schemes but reflect the partial start of housing benefit in 1982–83.