§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what funds are available for local authorities that consider the funding available under regulation 11 is insufficient to meet local needs. [29606]
§ Mr. Roger EvansNo additional funds are available. We believe the current funding arrangements for direct and indirect subsidy for local authorities' expenditure on cases exempt from rent restriction to be fair and reasonable. The arrangements ensure local authorities 365W have an incentive to make prudent decisions when considering rent restrictions.
§ Mr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what advice he plans to issue to claimants and local authorities with special reference to Coventry city council in respect of private landlords charging rents above the current costs of a market rent in relation to the new housing benefit changes. [29598]
§ Mr. EvansThis Department will be publicising the proposed changes to the housing benefit scheme by means of a publicity campaign. The campaign will include a new leaflet aimed at the general public which will be available from post offices and local authorities. Local authorities have already received details of the proposals and will receive further detailed written guidance before the changes come into effect.