§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he has on levels of overpayment of housing benefit by local authorities; and what guidance is issued by his Department in such cases.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe latest available information shows that in 1988–89, 475 out of 483 local authorities in Great Britain identified overpayments amounting to £213 million. This includes overpayments arising through fraud and claimant or administrative error. Guidance on all aspects of overpayments is included in the housing benefit guidance manual issued by this Department. This is supplemented by the issue of circulars as appropriate. Officials also advise authorities by telephone and in writing in individual cases.