HC Deb 18 December 2000 vol 360 cc72-3W
23. Mr. Allan

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the impact of the Housing Benefit verification regulations on Housing Benefit claimants. [141824]

Angela Eagle

The Verification Framework secures the gateway onto Housing Benefit by defining the minimum standards for collecting evidence before a claim can be paid. When operated efficiently by local authorities, it ensures that claims can be assessed accurately from the start, ensuring that honest claimants are paid the right amount.