§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many war disabled have lost money through the recent housing benefit changes.
§ Mr. PortilloI regret that the information requested is not available. However, the hon. Member will know that even after the recent changes, it is a matter for local authority discretion whether war pensions and war widows' pensions shall be disregarded in assessing income when calculating housing benefit entitlement.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce new proposals to exclude the war disabled from financial loss through housing benefit changes.
§ Mr. PortilloWar disabled claimants who have had their housing benefit reduced as a direct result of the housing benefit reforms, which took effect at the beginning of April this year, will receive transitional protection in the same way as other qualifying groups. Further details of the proposals announced on 27 April will be made available shortly.