§ Mr. Stanleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what instructions he has given to local social security offices to pay the rent element in supplementary benefit payments direct to the local authority where an individual in receipt of supplementary benefit is defaulting in his rent payments.
§ Mr. OrmeLocal offices are instructed that where a claimant persistently defaults with his rent payments the rent element452W of his supplementary benefit should normally be paid direct to his landlord, whether or not a local authority.
Such action may be initiated by local office staff or as a result of a request by the claimant or his landlord.