To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Meriden of 15 June 2009, Official Report, column 48W, on local housing allowance, if she will undertake research into whether landlords discriminate against potential tenants who are on local housing allowance on the grounds that the benefit is not paid directly to the landlord. (309380)

The Department has committed to completing a review of the LHA scheme over a two-year period from the commencement of its roll-out in April 2008. The aim of the review is to monitor the impact of the LHA at a national level, against the original LHA policy objectives.

The review will include an in-depth focus group study of landlords, concerning their attitudes and experiences of the LHA, including direct payments.