§ Ms. GordonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people claimed(a) housing benefit and (b) community charge benefit in Tower Hamlets for the last two years;
(2) if he will list the numbers claiming housing benefit and the total benefit paid for each year since 1979 in Tower Hamlets.
845W
§ Miss WiddecombeThe table sets out the available information. Before 1983 assistance with housing costs was provided through the supplementary benefit scheme and through the rent rebate, rent allowance and rate rebate schemes, run by the Department of the Environment. Because of the split in responsibilities between Tower Hamlets and the Greater London council, the information for 1983–84 and 1984–85 is not available in the form requested. The number of individuals receiving community charge benefit in Tower Hamlets in 1990–91 was 40,300, rounded to the nearest 100.
Year Housing Benefit Caseload Benefit paid £ million 1985–86 30,700 29.00 1986–87 30,100 33.90 1987–88 30,400 49.00 1988–89 28,400 53.20 1989–90 26,900 52.10 1990–91 26,500 57.4 (1) For 1985–86 to 1987–88, the figures are based on rate rebate caseload. Most people who get a rate rebate also receive a rent rebate or rent allowance, however this excludes a small number who receive rent rebate or rent allowance but not rate rebate.
(2) Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred.
(3) Figures for 1988–89 and 1989–90 are derived from rent rebate, rent allowance and rate rebate caseload.
(4) Rounded to the nearest £100 thousand.
(5) Rent rebate and rent allowance only.
(6) Based on mid year subsidy claim estimate.