§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures his Department plans to assist persons forced by recent floods to move into temporary accommodation who receive Housing Benefit for one property but have to pay rents for the flooded and the temporary properties. [152444]
§ Angela EagleHousing Benefit provides assistance to those on low income to meet the housing costs of the dwelling they occupy as their home. Help can be considered on two such dwellings, for up to four weeks where the local authority is satisfied that the liability to pay two rents was unavoidable. We are aware of the difficulties faced by people whose homes are uninhabitable due to flooding and who have had to rent alternative accommodation. We are reviewing the current arrangements.