§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will introduce a common basis for assessment for all types of benefit, including supplementary benefit and rate and rent rebates and allowances.
§ Dr. BoysonWe recognise the advantages of having the rules for the different means-tested benefits so far as possible in line with each other. However, different benefits have different origins and purposes, and their rules must necessarily reflect this. A common basis of assessment for all benefits would not therefore be a practical proposition.
§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to arrange compensation for council house tenants who are in local housing authority areas where the shift to direct rent payments under the Housing Benefit Act resulted in the loss of two rent-free weeks.
§ Dr. BoysonNo. Rent collection practices are a matter for individual local authorities and it was for them to 367W decide what adjustments, if any, to make to avoid losses for their tenants. Further information on this matter is contained in circular letter HB82(3) which was issued to local authorities on 25 October 1982. A copy is available in the Library of the House.