HC Deb 20 June 1985 vol 81 cc194-5W
Mr. Frank Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information was used to determine the exemption categories to the restrictions on board and lodging claims by under 26-year-olds provided under the Supplementary Benefit (Requirements and Resources) Miscellaneous Provisions Regulations 1985.

Mr. Whitney

In determining the list of exemption categories we had regard to the suggestions of the Social Security Advisory Committee, representations made both to the Committee during the consultation period and subsequently to Ministers and the advice of Government Departments.

Mr. Frank Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information was used to determine the weekly upper limits for ordinary board and lodging claims provided under the Supplementary Benefit (Requirements and Resources) Regulations 1985.

Mr. Whitney

The new board and lodging limits were determined after consideration of the existing local limits for ordinary board and lodging accommodation and in the light of information available to the Government from sample surveys on the charges being made for that accommodation. In setting them we also had regard to what we considered was a reasonable amount for supplementary benefit to pay.

Mr. Frank Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what basis was used to determine the time limits on board and lodging claims by under-26-year-olds provided under the Supplementary Benefit (Requirements and Resources) Miscellaneous Provisions Regulations 1985.

Mr. Whitney

The time limits were based on the periods we considered would be reasonable to give young people an opportunity to seek work in any one area based on the Department of Employment's 'travel to work' areas. The intention was not to allow them to settle down long-term in generally expensive accommodation.

Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the results of the special exercise undertaken in parallel with the December 1983 annual statistical inquiry and of the local office inquiry carried out in April-May 1984 concerning the effects of the November 1983 changes in board and lodging charges.

Mr. Whitney

The results of the special exercise carried out in parallel with the 1983 annual statistical inquiry are not yet available. The local office inquiry carried out in May 1984 was a sample survey only of cases in some 40 local offices. It gave information on the circumstances of individual claimants, including their board and lodging charge, and is therefore not appropriate to be published.