§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which bodies have been consulted on his plans to introduce a test of habitual residence in the United206W Kingdom as a condition of entitlement to income support, housing benefit and council ax benefit; what will he the position of United Kingdom nationals who retired abroad and wish to return to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BurtThe local authority associations were consulted on the proposal to introduce a habitual residence test into income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit. The proposal was also formally referred to the Social Security Advisory Committee, which undertook a public consultation. The habitual residence test will apply to all people who claim these benefits. In the case of returning United Kingdom nationals, the adjudication authorities will be looking at whether the person has an established link with this country, for example whether they have any ties here, such as family, and why they have come back.