§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the cost of the research carried out by the Government in the last four years into people's attitudes towards rent allowances in Liverpool and Camden; what conclusions were drawn; what changes have been implemented as a result; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungThe results of the research were published on 10 February 1982 in a report entitled "The Take-Up of Rent Allowances: An In-Depth Study" by Social and Community Planning Research. The study was commissioned by my Department at a cost of £16,650. The report made a number of suggestions including that publicity should be given to the availability of benefits and that this should be focused on particular groups within the community.
The new housing benefit system introduced by the Social Security and Housing Benefits Act 1982 has now replaced the rent allowance scheme. Responsibility for the new system rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.