Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Evans of Rainow Excerpts
Monday 1st July 2013

(11 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Steve Webb Portrait Steve Webb
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I am glad that the hon. Gentleman mentions the support we give to local authorities through discretionary housing payments. We constantly hear that it is not enough, so he may be startled to learn that in the year just ended, 2012-13, over 300 local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales sent us back money totalling over £11 million because they could not spend it.

Lord Evans of Rainow Portrait Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con)
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In the interests of time, Mr Speaker, I should say that I was about to ask that question.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Well, that is a first, not just from the hon. Gentleman but more generally.