HL Deb 29 July 1998 vol 592 cc210-1WA
Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How the Department of Social Security is tackling the task of evaluating the effect on rough sleeping of the housing benefit single room rent restriction; and when their conclusions are likely to be reported. [HL2893]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)

We are still gathering evidence from a variety of sources to gauge the impact of the Single Room Rent restriction on tenants, landlords and the private rental market as a whole. In particular, we have commissioned a joint study with the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions on Housing Benefit and the private rented sector. The study will look at the overall effects of the restriction, rather than its effects on any specific group. We expect the results in autumn.