§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the annual amount of social security paid to private landlords via housing benefit; and what is the estimated amount of income tax(a) payable on that benefit, (b) improperly withheld and (c) actually paid. [7201]
§ Mr. JackPrecise figures are not available but it is estimated that, in 1995–96, some £1.9 billion of housing benefit was paid directly to private landlords—that is, individuals and companies—excluding housing associations. Information on the effect on income tax liabilities of this part of the income of private landlords is not available.