§ Mr. GoodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made in relation to the Middlesbrough Pathfinder Project; and if he will make a statement. [133707]
§ Mr. PondAs a result of their commitment to restructure the regional housing market through the Tees Valley Market Renewal Project, Middlesbrough Council have reconsidered their decision to take part in testing the Local Housing Allowance.
They recognise the benefits of the Local Housing Allowance and would have continued their involvement had it not been for this commitment. We are disappointed with this outcome, given the amount of work that has been put in by both the council and ourselves, but we respect what was a difficult decision for Middlesbrough and the reasons behind it. Their withdrawal in no way alters our commitment to proceed with the remaining nine Pathfinders.