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• Question by: Richard Tracey
• Meeting date: 13 March 2013

Can we look at the cost. We all understand the principles of trying to help people that are truly in need but it is right, is it not, that Housing Benefit costs have gone up by £10 billion since the beginning of the decade? It was about £11 billion in 2000/01 and it is now £21 billion, and if it were to go on then it would be £25 billion in the coming year if the reforms were not brought in. Jules Pipe, do you want to comment on that?

• Question by: Joanne McCartney
• Meeting date: 13 March 2013

I want to start with Mayor Pipe and then move to the other two guests if I can. My questions were about the four pilots because two of them, Enfield and Haringey, I represent so we have great concerns about it. I was quite shocked to hear that you view this as just a test of DWP's own systems as opposed to a true pilot. My question is around the pilot which I believe is to last approximately six months and lessons are supposed to be learned before it is rolled out. In the meantime is it your belief that...