§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the guidance issued by the chief supplementary benefit officer following the Secretary of State's suggestion in Cmnd. 8978 is encouraging the improvements he accepted were needed, particularly the need for the local board and lodging limits to reflect the acutal cost of available commercial establishments; and if he is satisfied that recent increases in the board and lodging limit in central London meet that need.
§ Dr. BoysonYes. The guidance issued by the chief supplementary benefit officer has led to the setting of realistic upper limits for supplementary benefit payments to people living in board and lodging accomodation, including those in central London.
§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received alleging abuse of supplementary benefits paid to homeless people living in bed and breakfast hotels; and if he will seek to refute such allegations.
§ Dr. BoysonI have received several letters expressing concern that supplementary benefit claimants may misuse the payments they receive to pay their board and lodging charges. I have no evidence that there is any significant abuse of these payments.