§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to change the practice of allowing local authorities to make direct payment of housing benefit to registered social landlords; and if he will make a statement. [63464]
§ Malcolm WicksWe recognise that direct payments of housing benefit to registered social landlords can be both efficient and convenient. However, it has often been argued that routinely paying benefit to the landlord rather than to the tenant whose entitlement it is, can inhibit tenants' choice and discourage personal responsibility. Therefore, although there are no immediate plans to change the current system, it is an issue that we will continue to keep under close review.