§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what powers local authorities that operate contents insurance schemes for the tenants of their housing stock have to make deductions from housing benefit to cover the premiums of claimants who(a) participate and (b) are eligible to participate in such schemes; what guidelines he issues to local authorities on such matters; and if he will make a statement. [12221]
§ Mr. Roger EvansLocal authorities are required to adjust the rent eligible for housing benefit to reflect the cost of any ineligible services, such as contents insurance, included in the rent. This Department's guidance makes it clear that this duty applies even where the charge is not specified or separately identified. There is no need to adjust housing benefit where people who are eligible to participate in such schemes choose not to do so.