§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what advice he has given to those issuing information about entitlement to community charge rebates to those in receipt of income support and housing benefit; what reports he has received about couples not receiving the rebate in cases where one partner applied for housing benefit; what action he is taking to ensure both partners receive rebates; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardLocal authorities have statutory responsibility for the administration of community charge benefit and housing benefit. Advice on providing information about entitlement to community charge benefit is issued to local authorities in circulars and in the housing benefit guidance manual. Transitional arrangements were made for local authorities to treat existing claims for housing benefit as claims for community charge benefit and DSS local offices conducted a take on exercise for income support claimants not in receipt of housing benefit. Where a couple claims community charge benefit, one partner is required to make the claim on behalf of both and community charge benefit is awarded accordingly to both partners.