§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give a regional breakdown of the number of claimants whose housing benefit will not be restored as a result of the transitional arrangements announced on 27 April.
§ Mr. PortilloI regret that this information is not held centrally.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how it is intended to inform claimants that they will now have some of their housing benefit restored; and whether his Department's local offices will write direct to claimants; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how long the transitional period will last in respect of those who will have some of their housing benefit restored; and whether any distinction will be made after the transitional period between claimants who will then lose housing benefit at different rates;
(3)from what date housing benefit will be restored to claimants during the transitional period; and how soon individuals will be informed directly of the position.
§ Mr. PortilloWe will be making a further announcement shortly.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claimants who have savings in excess 425W of £3,000 have lost some of their housing benefit; whether he will now raise the capital sum at which benefit begins to be reduced; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloI regret that the information requested is not available. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 27 April, the upper limit for capital will be increased for housing benefit to £8,000, but the lower level remains at £3,000.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his policy to make an oral statement to the House before any further changes are made in the transitional arrangements regarding housing benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloNo.