§ Mr. Jacques ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the terms of reference of the interdepartmental review of funding of supported housing; and if he will make a statement. [40914]
§ Mr. Roger EvansIn April, right hon. Friend the Secretary of State consulted on draft regulations to clarify the treatment of service charges in housing benefit. The representations that he received indicated that significant amounts of housing benefit may be being paid in respect of personal services in supported accommodation. He concluded that the sudden withdrawal of this source of income may cause significant difficulties for vulnerable people. Therefore, the proposed amendment was withdrawn and an urgent inter-departmental review commissioned to consider all aspects of the funding of services in supported accommodation. The review's terms of reference are to:
- 1. Identify and estimate current benefit expenditure on services provided in supported accommodation.
- 2. Consider the proposed legislation and its implications. In particular, identify and estimate the numbers of people who would have been affected by it.
- 3. Examine and report upon the current mechanisms for funding and delivery of support services.
- 4. Identify and report upon alternative mechanisms for funding support services.
- 5. Examine and support upon where the sustainable balance should lie between Social Security and other funding services, and the implications for the care and housing sectors.
We are seeking a sustainable balance between the various funding sources which ensures that essential support services are properly and appropriately funded whilst securing the most effective and economic resources.