§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he will consider taking steps to deal with the failure of local authorities to meet housing benefit claims within the statutory periods.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardWe have no power to intervene in the day-to-day administration of the housing benefit scheme, which is the statutory responsibility of the local authorities. Authorities were, however, recently reminded about their duty to process claims within 14 days, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, in a circular HB/CCB(90)1, a copy of which is in the Library.