§ Mr. Bradfordasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the percentage of those elegible for rate rebate in Northern Ireland in receipt of this benefit;
(2) how many persons in Northern Ireland are receiving rate rebates; and how many live in public and private sector houses, respectively.
§ Mr. RossiInformation for the year ended 31 March 1979 is as follows:
Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants 16,100 Private sector 19,100 Total 35,200 Figures for the current year are not yet available.
The percentage uptake cannot be estimated, because eligibility depends on individual circumstances which can only be known when an application is made.
235W
§ Mr. Bradfordasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what circumstances a person in receipt of supplementary benefit may claim a rate rebate; and what is the subsequent effect on the amounts of supplementary benefit, if any, should a rate rebate be granted.
§ Mr. AlisonSupplementary benefit recipients are excluded from the rate rebate scheme as supplementary benefit includes provision for the payment of rent and rates. In cases where a rebate has already been granted this is taken fully into account in determining the amount of supplementary benefit.