§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes in police rent and rates allowances have been made to coincide with the abolition of domestic rates.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMy right hon. and learned Friend expects shortly to lay regulations changing the police rent allowance arrangements with effect from 1 April. The main changes will be that the new housing allowance for each force will no include an element for the reimbursement of rates; the community charge will not be reimbursed; the new housing allowance will be updated biennially in line with movements in the retail prices index; and compensatory grant will be abolished. Special arrangements will, however, be made to ensure that police officers who are in receipt of rent allowance and compensatory grant on 31 March will receive no less than they were receiving on that date.