HC Deb 11 June 1990 vol 174 c51W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much, in cash and as a percentage of domestic rates, was met from housing benefit or income support in 1989–90.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

Estimated 1989–90 expenditure for housing benefit rate rebates in England and Wales is £1.2 billion, which represents 11 per cent. of domestic rate income. The maximum housing benefit rate rebate payable was 80 per cent. of a claimant's domestic rates liability. Help towards the remaining 20 per cent. contribution for claimants in receipt of income support was included in the income support rates. Detailed expenditure information about this specific aspect of income support is not available. Domestic rates in Scotland were replaced by the community charge from 1 April 1989.