Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will hold discussions with the Department for Communities on the adequacy of Local Housing Allowance rates in Northern Ireland in the context of recent trends in the level of rental costs.

Housing is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive reviews Local Housing Allowance rates and sets rent levels annually. Local Housing Allowance rates are based on rents and limited by legislation. It is for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to provide information regarding Local Housing Allowance rates.