§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated effect on the benefits receive by those at present in receipt of help with their rent and/or rates from the introduction into Northern Ireland of a unified housing benefits scheme similar to that which exists in England and Wales; how many people are likely to have (a) a reduction and (b) an increase in their benefits; and what is the estimated average increase and the estimated average decrease expected from the introduction of this scheme into Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. John Patten[pursuant to his reply, 8 February 1982]: The effects of the proposed reform on the benefits of claimants in Northern Ireland would generally be the same as in England and Wales. This would mean that no supplementary benefit recipient would receive less help than now with his rent and rates and a small proportion would gain. Some existing recipients of rent and rate rebates, mainly pensioners with low incomes, would also recieve more than at present while others, including those with relatively higher incomes, would receive less. Reliable estimates of the numbers and amounts involved are not yet available.
§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the estimated savings or extra expenditure as a result of the introduction of a unified system of housing benefits into Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. John Patten[pursuant to his reply, 8 February 1982]: The costs of the reformed Northern Ireland 395W schemes will depend on their detailed provisions, some of which have yet to be finalised. However, the overall effect on public expenditure is not expected to be significant.