HC Deb 09 July 1975 vol 895 cc209-10W
Mr. Hatton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the guidelines issued to local offices of the Department for dealing with applications for assistance to meet the cost of unpaid accounts for electricity and gas where a disconnection is to be carried out.

Mr. Meacher

Each case is considered on its merits. The policy of the Supplementary Benefits Commission is set out in its Administration Paper No. 4, "Exceptional Needs Payments", a copy of which is available in the Library. I am also sending my hon. Friend a copy of the memorandum of guidance on "Fuel Debts Among Low-Income Groups" produced jointly by the commission, representatives of local authority associations and the Gas and Electricity Councils.