§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his Department has plans to bring forward any measures with regard to housing rental purchase.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[pursuant to his reply, 25 October 1988, c. 157]: The review of benefit arrangements for help with rental purchase agreements has now been completed. We considered carefully both the current position and the likely impact of possible changes in the light of new housing policies shortly to come into effect. We concluded that payments under these agreements should continue to be eligible for housing benefit.
In individual cases it will remain a matter for local authorities to decide on the level of weekly rent (including rental purchase payments) which should be taken into account in calculating entitlement to housing benefit. In addition, the new assured tenancy provisions contained in the Housing Bill which will enable landlords to charge market rents should make the establishment of rental purchase schemes less attractive. We will, however, continue to monitor developments after these new arrangements are in place.