Written question asked by Lord Howarth of Newport (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 March 1997. It was answered by Roger Evans (Conservative) on Monday, 3 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: How many people under the age of 25 years have had their housing benefit reduced to single room rent levels; what savings in public expenditure have so far been made as a result of this policy; and what evaluation has been undertaken by his Department of the impact of the policy on the finances and housing situation of young people. - Inc fact that info requested is not yer available. However, the introduction of the single room rent restriction is being monitored.

Answer: Mr. Alan Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people under the age of 25 years have had their housing benefit reduced to single room rent levels; what savings in public expenditure have so far been made as a result of this policy; and what evaluation has been undertaken by his Department of the impact of the policy on the finances and housing situation of young people. [16302] Mr. Roger Evans: The information requested is not yet available. However, the introduction of the single room rent restriction is being monitored. Information on the operation of the changes, based on data supplied by a sample of local authorities, will be available in late summer. The Department is putting into place a series of research projects for evaluation of the long term effects of the changes. Results are expected next year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16302; 291 c527W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Benefits rules Housing benefit Expenditure Recipients Social security benefits Young people Rents
Contains statistics: Yes