HC Deb 29 July 1997 vol 299 cc245-6W
Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much she estimates that her changes to housing benefit regulations will cost. [7561]

Mr. Keith Bradley

My. right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 18 June her intention to revoke the extension of the single room rent allowance to single people between the ages of 25 and 59. This measure was inherited from the previous Administration and they estimated that the savings were £6 million 1997–98, £47 million in 1998–99 and £69 million in 1999–00. The revocation of the measure will therefore cost these sums.

Dr. Iddon

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) which rates of non-dependant charges will be increased to fund the withdrawal of the single room rent allowance for single people aged 25 to 59 years living in the private rented sector; and what the increase for each non-dependant rate will be; [10932]

(2) when non-dependant charges will be increased to fund the withdrawal of the single room rent allowance for single people aged 25 to 59 years living in the private rented sector; and what the transitional protection arrangements will be. [10933]

Mr. Bradley

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced, as part of our commitment to keep spending within the planned ceiling for social security expenditure, our decision to adjust the levels of non-dependant deductions from April 1998, and our intention to protect those in greatest need. A final decision on the levels of deductions will not be taken until our annual review of benefit rates is completed later in the year. We will announce the outcome of the review on non-dependant deductions at that time.

Dr. Iddon

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the withdrawal of the single room rent allowance for single people aged 25 to 59 years living in the private rented sector is to be funded solely by increasing non-dependant charges. [10934]

Mr. Bradley

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Elmet (Mr. Burgon) on 2 July 1997,Official Report, columns 207–09.

The measures announced will ensure that we meet our commitment to keep spending within the planned ceiling for social security expenditure.