§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the most recent review he has carried out on the system for paying(a) deposits and (b) rents for prospective and actual tenants; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roger EvansHelp with returnable deposits for accommodation was excluded from the social fund in 1988 because of the abuse of such payments under the old supplementary benefits single payments scheme. Help with rent in advance may be available as a social fund loan. Each application is assessed on its merits to see if payment can be made. We have no plans to reintroduce a statutory key money scheme. Under the access to local authority and housing association tenancies proposals, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is considering encouraging local authorities to make greater use of rent guarantee schemes.