§ Mr. Robin CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many households(a) in total, (b) by tenure, and (c) by household type are expected to receive (i) more and (ii) less housing benefit by up to £1 a week, £1 548W to £2 a week, £2 to £3 a week, £3 to £4 a week, £4 to £5 a week and £5 plus a week as a result of the changes implemented on 4 April and amended on 28 April.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding answer 6 May 1988]: I refer the hon. Member to my reply given to the hon. Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) on 7 June 1988 at column 561.
§ Mr. IngramTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of jobs to be created to administer the transitional protection scheme on housing benefit; whether those jobs will be temporary or permanent, and where they will be located.
§ Mr. Scott[holding answer 6 May 1988]: The transitional payments unit will be located in Glasgow and the final number of staff required will be decided in the light of applications received. Appointments will be made on both a permanent and temporary and a limited period basis; the proportion of the latter has yet to be determined.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he will be taking regarding the letters sent to him by the hon. Member for Walsall, North regarding the cases of constituents who will be applying for the transitional payments over housing benefit increases; how soon the payments will be made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloIn appropriate cases leaflet RR4—Housing Benefit New Rules—will be issued. This contains an application form for completion and return to the transitional payments unit in Glasgow. The first payments will be sent out in July when the unit becomes fully operational.