HC Deb 20 June 1984 vol 62 cc173-5W
Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate how many (a) tenant households, and (b) owner-occupier households were eligible to receive housing benefit in 1983–84, and the average benefit per household; if he will provide a table showing the distribution of tenant households and benefit according to (i) weekly income in excess of the appropriate supplementary benefit scale rate, in £10 bands of income up to £150 above scale rate, and (ii) weekly rent payable, before rebate, in £5 bands up to £30; if he will provide two tables showing for (w) tenant households and (x) owner-occupier households, the distribution of households and benefit according to (y) weekly income in excess of supplementary benefit scale rate, as above and (z) rates payable per week, before rebate, in £2 bands up to £20.

Dr. Boyson

Information on which to base such estimates will not be available until the end of the year when the results of the 1983–84 family expenditure survey have been analysed.

Mrs. Beckett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many requests for a review of housing benefit determinations have been received by public authorities in Great Britain; how many review board hearings have taken place; what numbers of these hearings have resulted in the determination being altered; and how many cases heard by review boards have concerned (a) eligible rent or rates, (b) non-dependents' or sub-tenants' contributions, (c) over payments, (d) amenity charges and (e) other matters.

Dr. Boyson

On the basis of statistical returns made to the Department covering the period 1 April 1983 to 31 March 1984, 8,430 requests have been received for officer level reviews of housing benefit determinations. Of these, 336 cases have been referred to review boards. A decision has been reached in 335 cases; 303 original determinations were revised and 32 were upheld. 281 of the revised decisions relate to a hearing involving student claimants in one authority. The cases referred to the review boards fell into the following categories; some cases have been counted under more than one heading.

Cases
a. eligible rent/rates 308
b. non-dependants or sub-tenants 6
c. overpayments 4
d. other matters 27

Representations concerning amenity charges are not recorded separately.

Mrs. Beckett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many households in Great Britain are receiving housing benefit supplement; what is the average amount of housing benefit supplement being paid; and what percentage of those thought eligible to receive housing benefit supplement are in fact doing so.

Dr. Boyson

It is estimated that in 1983–84 about 200,000 households were in receipt of housing benefit supplement and that the average amount involved was slightly under £3 a week. Information on take-up rates is not yet available.

Mrs. Beckett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many households in Great Britain receiving tax relief on mortgage payments contain one or more non-dependants in respect of whom a deduction would fall to be made under the housing benefit regulations.

Dr. Boyson

The estimated number of such households in Great Britain is 1,240,000 out of an estimated 6,260,000 households eligible for tax relief on mortgage payments.

Mrs. Beckett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many households receiving housing benefit in Great Britain contain one or more non-dependants in respect of whom a deduction is, or will be, applicable from November 1984.

Dr. Boyson

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.