Vernon CroakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what benefits are available to 997W British citizens leaving Zimbabwe to resettle in the UK because of the internal problems in that country; and if he will make a statement; [31190]
(2) what recent discussions he has had with the Foreign Secretary about the numbers of British citizens likely to leave Zimbabwe for the UK and the impact on the social security budget; and if he will make a statement. [31191]
§ Malcolm WicksOfficials across government stay in very close contact about the situation in Zimbabwe. On 14 January 2002, there were 25,054 British nationals registered with the British High Commission in Zimbabwe. We do not know how many of these people may wish to remove to the United Kingdom as there is no requirement for them to inform the High
2001–02 Local authority Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit subsidy payments1 £ Anti-Fraud Incentive Scheme1 £ Discretionary Rent Allowance2 £ Discretionary Housing Payments2 £ Administration Grant £ Verification Framework3 £ Benefits Agency/ local authority Joint Working Pauments Christchurch 7,548,315 8,000 2,525 7,574 103,261 32,311 27,00 East Dorset 8,729,550 26,699 2,798 17,742 128,946 40,775 — North Dorset 8,226,478 24,101 2,259 9,905 107,762 33,596 — Purbeck 4,430,394 34,455 3,041 9,108 90,878 28,527 — West Dorset 15,308,958 66,000 4,722 8,438 211,224 68,148 4,449 Weymouth & Portland 15,606,859 125,476 9,256 15,408 171,624 56,714 — Notes:
1. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit subsidy and anti-fraud incentive scheme figures are taken from local authority mid-year estimates and are subject to change on receipt of the 2001–02 final claims; these claims are also subject to audit.
2. Discretionary Housing Payments replaced Discretionary Rent Allowance from 1 July 2001.
3. Verification Framework figures are for on-going funding only, no payments for set-up costs were made to these local authorities in 2001–02.
Sources:
Anti-Fraud Incentive Scheme: quarterly Weekly Benefit Savings/WIB5 returns.
Discretionary Rent Allowance: DWP circular HB/CTB S3/2001.
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP): DHP Estimate Forms.
Administration Grant: DWP circular HB/CTB A4/2001.
Verification Framework: DWP circular HB/CTB A4/2001.
Benefits Agency/local authority Joint Working Payments: DWP Counter Fraud Investigation Branch (Joint Working Unit).