Written question asked by Karen Buck (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 April 2001. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 April 2001 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his Answer on 23rd March, Official Report, 365 c370W, what consideration was given to providing additional exemptions from the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations for (a) young pregnant women, (b) young people in receipt of the disability working allowance and incapacity benefit, (c) young people considered vulnerable under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, (d) care leavers under the age of 25 years and (e) young people rehoused through resettlement programmes operated by the Rough Sleepers Unit and others; pursuant to his Answer of 23rd March, Official Report, 365 c370W, what consideration was given to including accommodation in which a small kitchen is provided within the definition of the proposed new Younger Person's Rent.

Answer: Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, (1) pursuant to his answer on 23 March 2001, Official Report, column 370W, what consideration was given to providing additional exemptions from the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations for (a) young pregnant women, (b) young people in receipt of the disability working allowance and incapacity benefit, (c) young people considered vulnerable under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, (d) care leavers under the age of 25 years and (e) young people rehoused through resettlement programmes operated by the Rough Sleepers Unit and others; [156723] (2) pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2001, Official Report, column 370W, what consideration was given to including accommodation in which a small kitchen is provided within the definition of the proposed new Younger Person's Rent. [156724] Angela Eagle: The existing exemptions from the single room rent will remain in force when the broader definition of the single room rent is implemented from July this year. We have no current plans to increase the number of exemptions. However, local authorities will have the discretion to provide additional support in individual cases where there is a shortfall in rent under the new arrangements for discretionary housing payments, which will also be implemented from July. The broader definition of the single room rent retains the use of a kitchen, but only where it is shared.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 366 c608-9W; 156723;156724
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Disability Disadvantaged Benefits rules Disability working allowance Housing benefit Incapacity benefit Pregnancy Young people Regulation Rented housing Rents
Legislation: Housing Act 1996
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk