§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the figures currently being used for general levels of rent for the purposes of paragraphs 1 and 2, schedule 4, of the draft Housing Benefits Regulations 1982; and when he expects to be able to announce the new level for November 1983.
§ Dr. BoysonAuthorisations to operate a more generous rent rebate or allowance scheme in areas of high rent were last granted by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment in November 1982, under the Housing Finance Act 1972. These authorisations have been automatically reviewed under the Housing Benefit (Transitional) Regulations 1982, and will run until November 1983. The authorisations were based on rent thresholds of £15.57 and £16.87 in the public and private sector respectively. The new rent thresholds applicable from November 1983 will be announced later this month.