§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate for 1983–84 and 1984–85 of (a) the net savings to central Government and (b) the net cost to local Government of the transfer of certain housing benefit responsibilities.
§ Dr. BoysonThe Department's estimates of gross savings to central Government as a result of the introduction of the housing benefits scheme are £30 million in 1983–84 and £31.5 million in 1984–85. The net savings in 1983–84 will depend on the amounts of subsidy claimed by local authorities for housing benefit administration costs. Although these are likely to be higher than current provision, no firm estimate can yet be given and it is not therefore possible to make a forecast for 1984–85. The net costs to local Government in both 1983–84 and 1984–85 will be nil.