To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been allocated for the provision of information and advice for recipients of housing benefit under local housing allowance on its introduction in 2008. (163965)

The Department for Work and Pensions and local authorities have together been provided with £62 million (£59 million of this to local authorities) to support the implementation of the local housing allowance. Part of this funding will deliver a comprehensive communications strategy which will provide information and advice to customers who may be eligible for the local housing allowance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people received housing benefit under local housing allowance in the nine Pathfinder areas. (163966)

As at August 2007, the total number of households receiving local housing allowance across the nine Pathfinder areas was around 54,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to the answer of 11 October 2007, Official Report, column 741W, on local housing allowance, how much of the funding provided to support the implementation of the local housing allowance is allocated for the provision of advice. (163967)

Local authorities have been provided with £59 million to support the implementation of the local housing allowance, and the freedom to allocate that funding according to local needs. The Department for Work and Pensions has not prescribed to local authorities how this funding is to be allocated.