§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated saving that will result from the introduction of the new housing benefit scheme in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThere will be no overall saving as a result of the reform.
§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he can provide figures on the exact impact of taper changes to the housing benefits scheme in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Chris PattenPrecise figures are not available but, based on the latest statistical information available, it is estimated that about 22,900 Housing Executive tenants and 2,700 private tenants will lose standard housing benefit of up to 10p for each pound by which their income exceeds their needs allowance. Additionally, some 8,500 owner-occupiers will lose up to 2p for each pound of the excess.
§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many claimants and of what type, including pensioners, certificate cases, and standard cases will lose money under the housing benefit scheme in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Chris PattenIt is assumed that the question relates to the proposed changes in housing benefits due to 295W take effect in 1984. However, because of the interaction of the various proposed changes, it is not possible to provide estimates in the form requested
§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people will be affected by the introduction of higher non-dependant deduction under the housing benefit scheme in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Chris PattenPrecise figures are not available, but the number of households affected is likely to exceed 10,000.
§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland will lose money as a result of the increase in the minimum payment provision under the housing benefit scheme.
§ Mr. Chris PattenBecause of the interaction of the proposed changes it is not possible to estimate accurately the number involved.