HC Deb 28 January 2003 vol 398 cc774-5W
Mr. Sanders

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how he intends to consult stakeholders in housing allowance in pathfinder project areas; and if he will make a statement; [93315]

(2) if he will publish the results of consultations carried out with stakeholders in housing allowance pathfinder project areas; [93316]

(3) at what points during the housing allowance pathfinder projects stakeholders will be consulted. [93317]

Malcolm Wicks

We will be working closely with pathfinder authorities to introduce the standard local housing allowance scheme and will ensure that local stakeholders including landlords, letting agents, and statutory and voluntary sector advisers, are consulted and made fully aware of the changes.

It will be an important part of our evaluation strategy to consider the views of all local stakeholders as well as those of tenants affected by the scheme. Details of how this will be done have not yet been decided but we recognise the importance of consulting the full range of stakeholders at regular stages during the pilot. As usual, the results of the evaluation will be published.