Oral Answers to Questions

Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston Excerpts

Monday 12th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stunell]

As my hon. Friend will know, housing benefit expenditure has been rising rapidly, from £14 billion 10 years ago to £21 billion now. The reform of that benefit is included in the social security measures that have just been approved by the House.

[Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab)]

It is not just Dudley borough council and the black country that are concerned. So is Birmingham city council, which is the largest authority in Europe. Given that the Minister is running pilots, can he tell us how he will define success?

[Andrew Stunell]

The pilots are taking place in five different local authorities, including both urban and rural authorities. The purpose of the demonstrations is to ensure that we get the mechanisms, support and financial tools right, so that landlords’ financial position is protected and tenants receive the right support.