§ Mr. StunellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received on the eight day maximum application period for extended payments under the Housing Benefit Regulations; and if he will make a statement. [79692]
§ Mr. TimmsWe have received a number of letters from members of the public about the eight day application period. We are currently considering ways of easing the transition into work. We know that worries about housing costs are crucial to people when thinking about moving into work. The Extended Payments scheme, which eases the transition from benefit dependency to working, is one of a number of areas which we are looking at with the aim of improving incentives provided by the Housing Benefit Scheme.