§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to review the level of Housing Benefit payable to under-18 year olds; and if he will make a statement. [10534]
§ Malcolm WicksMost 16 and 17-year-olds are eligible for Housing Benefit in the same way as all people aged under 25. The amounts allowed under the scheme to meet day-to-day living expenses before housing costs are reviewed each year and approved by Parliament through the uprating order.
The level of Housing Benefit payable to people aged under 25 is subject to the Single Room Rent rules which restrict the amount of rent which can be met. As part of our reform of Housing Benefit, the definition of the Single Room Rent was broadened from 2 July this year to reflect better the type of accommodation available in the market to young single people.
16 and 17-year-olds leaving local authority care are not entitled to Housing Benefit. Social services departments have a statutory responsibility to fund the housing costs of these young people, where appropriate.
We have no plans to review the current rules.