Habitual Residence Test

HC Deb 11 February 1997 vol 290 c170W

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants have been refused housing benefit and council tax benefit following the introduction of the habitual residence test for the 1995–96 financial year. [15218]

Mr. Roger Evans

The information is not available. However, the figures are currently being processed and will be published in the "Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Summary Statistics—Update Number 2" in March 1997.

A copy will be placed in the Library.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the costs to local authorities of administering the habitual residence test in respect of housing benefit and council tax benefit claims. [15219]

Mr. Evans

The estimated cost to local authorities of administering the habitual residence test in respect of housing benefit and council tax benefit claims for 1995–96 is £0.7 million.