§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent housing benefits have fallen in real value since (a) 1979 and (b) the introduction of the unified scheme; and if he will publish a table showing the changes between those dates.
§ Dr. BoysonOver the period November 1978-November 1983 housing benefit allowances have broadly maintained their value. The needs allowances are linked to the supplementary benefit long-term scale rate, a proportion of average council rents and rates, and average water rates. Prior to 1979 the needs allowance contained an amount for working costs which led to an element of over-provision For those not incurring such expenses. This element has now been removed from the needs allowance and a separate earnings disregard established. The current rate of the latter is £17.45.