Oral Answers to Questions

Peter Dowd Excerpts

Monday 8th February 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab)]

1. What assessment he has made of the potential effect of planned reductions in social rents and housing benefit support on the provision of supported housing.

[Peter Dowd (Bootle) (Lab)]

18. What assessment he has made of the potential effect of planned reductions in social rents and housing benefit support on the provision of supported housing.

--- Later in debate ---

[Brandon Lewis]

As the hon. Lady may have heard in the recent Opposition day debate, we have always been very clear that the most vulnerable in our society will be protected. We will also ensure a fair settlement for taxpayers.

[Peter Dowd]

Will the Minister acknowledge that, although his announcement to delay the 1% rent cut affecting supported housing is welcome, it does not go far enough and the substantive proposals should be jettisoned to inject much-needed stability back into the sector?

[Brandon Lewis]

As I am sure the hon. Gentleman will appreciate, and as I said in the recent debate, we are working with the sector. The changes will come in in 2018, but we are very clear, and have always been very clear, that we will make sure that the most vulnerable in our society are protected.