Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing – Parliamentary Written Answer

Andrew George:  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2014 to Question 211139, if he will place in the Library the administrative data (Single Housing Benefit Extract) calculation used to estimate the figure of £1 billion pounds; and what estimate he has made of the cost of exempting from the under-occupancy penalty people who would be exempt for reasons set out in sub-clauses 2(1)(a) to (c) of the Affordable Homes Bill.

Esther McVey: The calculation of the cost of about £1 billion pounds for the Affordable Homes is solely in relation to Clause 2 (1) (a), (b) and (c). This was estimated using both the administrative data (Single Housing Benefit Extract) and the department’s policy simulation model. As the estimate was made in this way, it is not possible to place the base data in the Library for this estimate.

Tories in Commons 'Time Wasting' Plot To Save Bedroom Tax

Tory MPs are being accused of hatching a time wasting Commons plot to save the Bedroom Tax. Now supporters of its abolition have threatened to force an all-night sitting to ensure the reforms go through Parliament. A private Bill that would scrap the cruel tax for many victims is now being considered by a committee of MPs. If it becomes law those who could not be found smaller homes would be exempt from charges on extra bedrooms. But Tories on the committee are trying to have it bogged down in irrelevant debate says the Bill’s Lib Dem sponsor Andrew George. And No10 is also trying to slam on the brakes by refusing to grant the “money resolution” required by any backbench Bill. This formality allows Bills which involve public money to progress through its stages. Read more on the Sunday People website.