§ Mr. McLeishTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were in receipt of housing benefit in 1978–79, 1979–80 and 1987–88.
§ 3. Mr. Peter LloydThe available information is in the table. Figures are not held for 1978–79.
Estimated numbers receiving assistance with housing costs (000) 1979–80 3,065 1987–88 6,875 Notes:
1. Assistance with housing costs in 1979–80 was through the supplementary benefit scheme administered by the Department and the rent and rate rebate and rent allowance scheme run by the Department of Environment. The figure of 3.065 million represents the estimated number of people receiving assistance through the Department of Environment scheme only. Information about the numbers also receiving help through supplementary benefit is not available.
2. The information for 1987–88 represents the estimated number of people receiving assistance with housing costs through the unified housing benefit scheme introduced in November 1982.
Source: 1979–80 Local authority returns to Department of Environment.
1987–88 Housing benefit subsidy claims from local authorities