HL Deb 23 January 1996 vol 568 c64WA
Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Secretary of State for Social Security when he announced that the changes to housing benefit for those under 25 were intended to discourage young people from leaving home before they can afford to do so (HC Deb., 29 November 1995, col. 596), had estimated the number of young people likely to be so discouraged; and, if so, what was that estimate.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

There is no reliable estimate. The Government believe in the principle that housing benefit should not provide an incentive for young people to move into accommodation in anticipation of benefit meeting a higher rent than could generally be afforded if they were working.