§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to consult on the future funding arrangements and powers for local authorities to provide welfare services to council tenants in Wales.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe Welsh Office issued a consultation paper to local authorities, their associations and other interested bodies on 5 April. I have placed copies in the Library of the House.
The paper sets out proposals for the longer-term funding and provision of welfare services for tenants of local housing authorities. It proposes that housing authorities should retain powers to provide these services, which are being considered as part of the Housing and Urban Development Bill, until after local government re-organisation. The paper also sets out options for the exclusion of welfare services from the housing revenue account and the possible timing of such changes.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is consulting separately on these matters in England.