HC Deb 29 January 1997 vol 289 cc294-5W
Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the terms of reference of the interdepartmental review of the funding of supported accommodation within the housing benefit system; when he expects the review to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [11820]

Mr. Roger Evans

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Gravesham (Mr. Arnold) on 15 October,Official Report, column 858.

Our aim is to conclude the review as soon as possible. We have underway a major research project to assess the numbers of recipients of payments of support costs and the total amount of housing benefit paid. This research is complex and will take some time to complete. We do not rule out the possibility of interim measures during the review should they prove necessary.