§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 30 November, how the estimated 1988–89 annual expenditure on housing benefit in Nottingham was calculated.
§ Mr. Peter LloydIt is largely a matter for the local authority to determine the basis for calculating the annual housing benefit expenditure estimate. In making an estimate the authority should take account of the effect of changes to the scheme and local factors such as increases in rate and rent levels. Actual expenditure for the financial year is, of course, subject to audit by the district auditor.