§ Mr. Squireasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any statement to make about the possibility of rationalising the present housing benefit arrangements.
§ Mr. HeseltineWith my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales I am consulting the local authority associations about the possibility of simplifying the way in which help with the housing costs of families in need is currently given through both supplementary benefits and local authority rebates and allowances. It is our aim to rationalise these arrangements to end confusion about which of the schemes leaves claimants better off and to achieve substantial administrative savings. The proposals in the consultative document build on the existing system of rent and rates assistance provided through local authorities. The Government believe that their proposals could form the basis of a workable reform but have by no means made up their mind and they would welcome comments and suggestions for improvements. I am sending copies of the consultative document to the associations today. Copies are also being placed in the Library and made available to the public generally.