§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the local flat-rate housing allowances agreed to date for each of the pilot areas for such allowances. [149646]
§ Mr. PondThe Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a major structural reform designed to promote choice and responsibility within the housing benefit system. The LHA has been introduced in four local authorities and is due to be introduced to the remaining pathfinder authorities in the near future.
The information for the pathfinder authorities currently delivering LHA is in the table.
LHA rates for Lewisham by Broad Rental Market Area BRMA (£) LHA Category London South East-Central London South East-Inner 5 room 265.50 363.50 6 room 381.00 437.50 Notes: 1. Tables show weekly LHA rates for January 2004. 2. The shared room rate is for one room with shared living room and (a) shared kitchen, toilet and bathroom, or (b) exclusive use of kitchen/kitchen facilities, or (c) exclusive use of bathroom and toilet with shared kitchen.