§ Mr. Kinseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take immediate action to help pensioners and others in Birmingham, who have been notified by the form A87 of a reduction in supplementary benefits covering rent assistance, before Birmingham's housing department has granted the corresponding reduction on their rent book, thereby causing them anxiety.
§ Mr. DeanForm A87 explains that supplementary benefit will be reduced 179W because of a rent rebate, about which the local housing authority will be telling the tenant. I understand that Birmingham Corporation has already written to tenants reassuring them that they will not be treated as in arrears of rent because of the changeover. I am considering whether there is anything further my Department can do to reassure beneficiaries.