HC Deb 15 November 1996 vol 285 cc366-7W
Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are currently receiving housing benefit in the United Kingdom; and what is the breakdown of these figures by region or local authority. [3803]

Mr. Roger Evans

The information relating to Great Britain has been placed in the Library.

I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for the Northern Ireland figures.

Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated cost to the Government of funding housing benefit in the current year; and if he will make a statement.[3804]

Mr. Evans

The information is set out in the table.

Planned cost to central government of housing benefit 1996–97
Expenditure type Amount £million
Rent allowances 5,135
Discretionary rent allowances 18
Non-HRA rent rebates 87
Rent rebates (England) 3,114
Rent rebates (Wales) 192
Rent rebates (Scotland) 531
Administration 186
Anti-fraud incentives 22
Challenge funding 8
Total 9,293

Sources:

  1. 1. Table 1 of the Social Security departmental report: the government's expenditure plans 1996–97 to 1998–99.
  2. 2. Local government finance report 1996–97 (Department of the Environment).
  3. 3. Spending working group paper: SSASG (96)97 (Department of the Environment).
  4. 4. Finance circular 8/1996 (Scottish Office).

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