HC Deb 27 October 1983 vol 47 cc169-70W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many council house tenants are now receiving housing benefit.

Dr. Boyson

Our latest estimate of the number of council house tenants on housing benefit following the introduction of the new scheme is 3,570,000.

Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set up an inquiry into the administration of the new housing benefit scheme by local authorities.

Dr. Boyson

No. I do not consider that there is any need for an inquiry. The Department is keeping the new scheme under careful consideration as it settles down.

Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the numbers of local authorities who have experienced difficulties in administering the new housing benefit scheme; and what steps he is taking to remedy these difficulties.

Dr. Boyson

As was only to be expected in the implementation of a major scheme, most authorities have experienced difficulties at some stage over some aspects of the new scheme, although only in a small minority of cases have there been serious problems. The Department is currently considering detailed proposals from the local authority associations which might improve the day-to-day running of the scheme.