§ Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will break down the figures for 1982–83 and 1983–84 in table 3.12.5 of Cmnd. 9428-II, public expenditure White Paper, showing how much of the expenditure paid to each category of beneficiary was attributable to housing benefit and distinguishing between rent rebates and rate rebates.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe cost of housing benefit in 1982–83 and 1983–84 is estimated as follows*
£ million 1982–83† 1983–84‡ Broad groups of beneficiaries Rent rebates and allowances Rate rebates Rent rebates and allowances Rate rebates Elderly 550 330 1,300 700 Disabled people and long-term sick 90 50 170 70 Short-term sick — — 40 15 Unemployed people 200 90 650 290 Widows and orphans — — 10 5 Family║ 60 20 250 100 People in work 100 70 120 70 Total 1,000 560 2,540 1,250 * All figures are rounded, and amounts of less than £5 million are not shown. † Includes rebates and allowances awarded under the old local authority schemes, together with those awarded under the partial start of the new scheme (from November 1982). ‡Includes rebates and allowances awarded from the full start of the new scheme (April 1983). ║ Housing benefit mainly for one parent families receiving supplementary benefit.