§ Mr. HurstTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress has been made in the inter-departmental review on housing benefit for those in supported housing. [33853]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyWe sought stakeholders' views on the best means of translating our objectives for the long-term funding of supported accommodation into a modern, practical and sustainable funding system in November last year. Over 200 responses were received and are helping to inform the debate. Options for creating a more rational and effective system are presently under consideration. Whilst we are looking to implement a sustainable funding system as soon as possible, this is an extremely complex area with possible repercussions for all supported accommodation. We cannot, therefore, say when the review will be complete.
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§ Mr. HurstTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she will list the total number of claimants of housing benefit in supported housing in each year from 1992 to 1997; [33852]
(2) what estimate she has made of the average cost of the care and support element of staff costs claimed from housing benefit for those in supported housing in each of the last three years. [33851]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe information is not available in the form requested.
We hope to have more information about the numbers of Housing Benefit recipients and the amount met by Housing Benefit in respect of service charges for personal counselling and support in supported accommodation during 1995–96 from research which is currently underway.