§ Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to help local authorities cope with the increase in rent arrears since the changes made in the housing benefit scheme.
§ Mr. Trippier[holding answer 24 October 1988]: As my hon. Friend the Member for Broxbourne (Mrs. Roe) told the hon. Member on 14 July, Official Report, columns 301–2, it is for individual authorities to take timely and appropriate steps to control and reduce rent arrears. The assistance available from auditors and from officials of my Department was set out in circular 18/87.