Written question asked by Edward Leigh (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Lilley (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: When he proposes to respond to the report of the Social Security Advisory Committee on the proposed changes to housing benefit regulations. - Includes fact that Social Security Advisory Committee's report, Government response and regulations laid today.

Answer: Mr. Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he proposes to respond to the report of the Social Security Advisory Committee on the proposed changes to housing benefit regulations. [20954] Mr. Lilley: I have received the Social Security Advisory Committee report. It recommended against proceeding without further research of the effects of existing measures on the housing market. In the event the Government do go ahead, the committee further recommended that the proposals should apply only to new claims and that certain accommodation for tenants who have been referred by the local authority or probation service should be exempt. I have considered these recommendations carefully. I have decided not to accept them in the form in which they were presented, but to exempt from the single room rent determination severely disabled people who are entitled to severe disability premium and single claimants who have non-dependants residing with them. I have today laid before Parliament the social security advisory committee's report and my response to it. I have also laid the regulations to give effect to the changes.

Secondary information