Questions and Answers

Weekend polls

THE GOVERNMENT is considering holding council elections at the weekend in response to concern over low turnout in local polls, George Howarth, a Home Office minister, said.

Buy-back aid

LOCAL AUTHORITIES will be reimbursed 35 per cent of the costs when buying back council homes to help buyers in financial difficulties, it was announced by the Housing Minister, Hilary Armstrong.

Widows' might

THE GOVERNMENT will consider compensation claims from people who were misadvised by the Social Security Department about widows' pensions, a Social Security minister, Stephen Timms, said.