§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants living in private rented accommodation had their housing benefit reduced in the last year; and what was the average level of reduction.
§ Mr. BurtThe information requested is not available. Decisions on the level of housing benefit paid in individual cases are matters for local authorities, which may restrict payments on the basis of a rent officer's determination or may choose to pay benefit exceeding that amount.