§ Mrs. Beckettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of local authorities in which more than 50 per cent. of ratepayers are receiving housing benefit which meets 100 per cent. of their rates liability; and if he will name these authorities.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why it has been decided that the whole of the annuity in home income plans is to be treated as income for the purposes of housing benefit entitlement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MajorThe current guidance to local authorities, consolidated in a manual issued last summer, reflects the legal advice we have received on how life annuities and home income plans should be treated when assessing entitlement to housing benefit.