§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
What saving they are expecting (a) in the first year, and (b) on a recurring basis from their decision to pay housing benefit in arrears.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish)Housing benefit will be paid in arrears from 7th October 1996 in respect of new claims from private sector tenants and claimants who move into private sector accommodation on or after that date. These changes are expected to yield £105/120/75 million in the years beginning April 1996, 1997 and 1998 respectively. In the longer term, recurring savings are estimated at £25 million a year at current benefit levels.