§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what changes in practice have recently been made by the Supplementary Benefits Commission on the direct payment of rent for beneficiaries; and whether she will make a statement about the effect of such changes.
§ Mr. O'MalleyDirect payment is now authorised more readily where beneficiaries are defaulting; hitherto this had been used only as a last resort. I understand there is already a general increase in the numbers paid by this method.