§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to amend the period of time during which Housing Benefit claimants may appeal against their benefit decision; and if he will make a statement. [129470]
§ Angela EagleAs part of our proposals to bring Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit decisions within the scope of the Appeals Service from 1 April 2001 we intend to introduce regulations to mirror the decision-making arrangements for other social security benefits.
This will mean that Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit claimants will be given a calendar month to dispute a decision. This period may be extended for up to a maximum of 13 months where there are special reasons for delay.
485WWe will be consulting with local authority associations and the Council of Tribunals on these changes in due course.
§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to amend the regulations concerning the backdating of Housing Benefit; and if he will make a statement. [129469]
§ Angela EagleWe propose to introduce regulations to align the current Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit backdating rules with those for the other income-related benefits from April 2001. This will involve replacing the current 52 week limit which rests on a broad definition of "good cause". Instead, where a claimant delays his claim, that claim can be backdated for up to three months based on a set of prescriptive circumstances.
The Social Security Advisory Committee are currently consulting on the draft regulations and will report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in due course. We also propose to open consultation with the local authority associations this week.
§ Ms BuckTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimates he has made of savings in Housing Benefit arising from reduced house repossessions if a flat rate housing allowance were introduced at(a) £10, (b) £15, (c) £20, (d) £25 and (e) £30 per week and paid to all households in receipt of Working Families Tax Credit and Disabled Persons Tax Credit. [125411]
§ Angela EagleThe uncertain behavioural effects that would result from the introduction of such an allowance means that no reliable estimates can be made.
§ Ms BuckTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what he estimates to be the gross cost to public funds of a flat rate housing allowance payable to recipients of working families tax credit and disabled persons tax credit, if such an allowance was paid at the rate of(a) £10 per week, (b) £15 per week, (c) £20 per week, (d) £25 per week and (e) £30 per week. [125409]
§ Angela EaglePrecise estimates cannot be made because of the uncertain behavioural effects that would result from the introduction of such an allowance. If a flat rate housing allowance of £30 per week were introduced for all recipients of the tax credits, it is estimated that the gross cost would be of the order of £2 billion per year.