§ Mr. HoltTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much has been set aside to pay additional housing benefit to housing trust tenants who require a decoder to receive satellite television.
§ Miss WiddecombeHousing benefit is an income-related benefit intended to help meet reasonable accommodation costs. Broadly this means rent and any26W compulsory service charges related to the provision of adequate accommodation. It is for local authorities to determine what proportion of a rent is eligible for housing benefit in any particular case by reference to the housing benefit regulations. We are currently reviewing those regulations to ensure that they clearly prevent charges for satellite television relay from being met by benefit.