§ Mr. GrahamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland why students are not to be compensated for their loss of housing benefit.
§ Mr. PortilloI have been asked to reply.
The new housing benefit scheme and the other social security changes which will come into operation in April 1988 will affect a large number of claimants including students. Transitional protection is being provided only for those on supplementary benefit consistent with the Government's approach to direct help to those most in need. Furthermore, many claimants will see some reduction in their housing benefit as a result of increased entitlement to other benefits.