HC Deb 27 January 1997 vol 289 cc103-4W
Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the savings resulting from application of the shared residence requirement for housing benefit for those people aged under 25 years in the last year for which figures are available. [12805]

Mr. Roger Evans

Information on the actual savings resulting from the changes is not available. Estimated savings for the financial years 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99 are £13 million, £57 million and £62 million respectively.

An exercise is currently under way to monitor the effect of and collect statistical data related to the changes to housing benefit for single childless claimants aged under 25, introduced in October 1996.