Housing Benefit (Hansard, 25 May 1988)

§ 20. Mr. Buchan
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Scottish local authorities about the impact of changes in the housing benefit system on the application of the Government's housing policies in Scotland.

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
Seven letters from individual local authorities, and one from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities have included reference to the impact of housing benefit changes along with other comments on the Government's housing proposals.

§ 24. Mr. David Marshall
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the impact of recent changes in the housing benefit system on the objectives set out in his White Paper "Housing in Scotland" (Cm. 242).

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
The changes made recently to the housing benefit system ensure that housing benefit is better targeted to those who need it. This will help them to take advantage of the new opportunities for renting being provided by the Housing (Scotland) Bill.

§ 31. Mr. Ernie Ross
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the effects on local government in Scotland of the recent alterations to the system of housing benefit payments.

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
Representations on the reformed housing benefit system, including the most recent changes, have been received from local authorities and members of the public. In addition, my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State and my hon. Friend the Minister of State have had discussions over the last year with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities about the new system as part of our regular round of meetings on local government finance.

54. Mr. Robertson
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what changes will occur in the level of rate support grant paid to local authorities by his Department as a result of the alterations in the system of housing benefit payments.

§ Mr. Lang
The costs of preparing for the new system of housing benefit payments were met through a 100 per cent. specific grant. There was therefore no direct effect on rate support grant.