§ 17. Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations were made to the Minister for Social Security on the subject of housing benefit when he met the local authority associations during the recess.
§ Dr. BoysonThe associations commented on a number of aspects of the proposed changes in housing benefit announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his autumn statement. We are carefully considering their comments, and the other representations we have received, before finally deciding on the precise form of the proposed changes. The associations also raised the question of subsidy arrangements for local authorities, and some detailed points concerning the administration of the scheme.
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§ 30. Mr. Sean Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claimants will have their housing benefit reduced as from April 1984.
§ Dr. BoysonI refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. McCrindle) on 2 December 1983. —[Vol. 49, c.661.]
§ 40. Mr. Hicksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he intends amending the housing benefit proposals as a result of his Department's advisory committee's report; and if he will make a statement,
§ Dr. BoysonWe are still considering the report of the social security advisory committee, and the other representations we have received. We shall announce our decisions shortly.
§ 51. Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is now satisfied with the operation of the housing benefit scheme.
§ Dr. BoysonAlthough some authorities experienced difficulties with the introduction of the scheme, I am confident that the main problems have been overcome. We are, however, keeping the scheme under continuous review and have agreed, in consultation with the local authority associations, a package of measures to simplify and improve the administration of the scheme.