§ Mr. Macfarlaneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the reasons for his Department's delay in making direct payment of supplementary benefit to the London Borough of Sutton in respect of the rent of council tenants.
§ Mr. DeakinsPayments of rent direct to a local authority are usually made quarterly in arrears. Unfortunately, there has been delay at Sutton because of considerable work pressures, some of which were caused by changes in the amounts of rent and rates charged by the local authority. Steps are being taken to try to avoid such delays in future.