§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if his departmental assistance with loans for home improvements are deemed to be housing costs in respect of paragraphs 5(4) and 5(5) of the Housing Benefit (General) Regulations 1987. [31864]
(2) what representations he has had in regard to difficulties experienced by home owners whose mortgage interest payments are being met by his Department, who have had to temporarily move to alternative accommodation while extensive renovation work is being carried out and who are deemed ineligible for housing benefit. [31907]
§ Mr. Roger EvansHome improvement loans which attract assistance from this Department are not considered to be housing costs for the purpose of determining entitlement to housing benefit. I have received no representations about home owners in these circumstances.