§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence she has of misuse of rent rebates paid direct to tenants in receipt of supplementary benefits.
§ Mr. O'MalleyNone. Tenants receiving supplementry benefit do not generally have their rent rebated because provision for rent is included in the weekly payment of benefit.
§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current amount of rent arrears accruing to tenants in receipt of rent contributions in addition to supplementary benefit; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. O'MalleyThe amount of rent arrears owing to landlords is not known. Under the Supplementary Benefit Act provision for rent is included in the weekly benefit. Tenants are responsible for paying their rent but the Supplementary Benefits Commission will make payment direct to the landlord in cases of persistent rent default.