§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what evaluation has been undertaken of the changes in the single room rent regulations of housing benefit; what the conclusion of that evaluation were; and if he will make a statement. [89410]
§ Malcolm WicksTo help promote work incentives, we broadened the definition of the Single Room Rent (SRR) from 2 July 2001 to reflect better the type of accommodation available in the market to young single people. Our aim is both to ease the problems faced by young people in getting and maintaining accommodation, and encourage landlords to rent to young adults.
This year we will be testing out the Standard Local Housing Allowances (SLHA) in around 10 pathfinder local authorities. Private sector tenants will be paid according to average local rents rather than rents charged. This will allow people to know in advance what housing benefit support they will receive, promote choice and personal responsibility and bridge the gap between benefit and work by allowing tenants to budget for their own rent. The evaluation of the pathfinders will include tracking the effects of the SLHA on people under 25 years of age, and the results will inform consideration of whether any changes to the younger person rent restrictions are necessary.
As part of a wider project examining the options for simplification of housing benefit in the private rent sector, "Housing Benefit Simplification in the Private Rented Sector" by Pettigrew N and Thomas A (DWP in-house research report No.107), looked at the SRR. This report was published in December 2002 and a copy is available in the Library.