§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr. Chris Pond)Deductions from eligible rent for heating and hot water were not increased in the 2003 uprating Order (S.I. 2003/526) from £1.15 to £1.20 as was indicated in the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, Mr. Andrew Smith, on 18 November 2002,Official Report, column 365. Eligible rent forms part of local authorities assessment of Housing Benefit.
The annual DWP uprating circular quoted a deduction rate of £1.20, which means that some housing benefit recipients will have been underpaid. Local authorities are being advised today of the issue and are being advised to take corrective action on affected cases, and that they should consider how best to take that action given their individual circumstances.