§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on the housing benefit system; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloI have been asked to reply.
The Secretary of State is required formally to consult only the local authority associations and we have received representations from all six of the associations on the housing benefit reforms. In addition, many comments and suggestions have been received during the process of reform from other organisations and individuals. All of these were considered carefully in the context of finalising the details of the new scheme.