§ 41. Mr. Barronasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice is given to adjudication officers concerning single payments for beds; and whether this advice has recently been changed.
§ Mr. WhitneyGuidance to adjudication officers concerning single payments of supplementary benefit for beds is contained in paragraphs 7192 and 7195 of the "S" manual — a copy of which is in the Library. Adjudication officers are required to base any award they make for beds or mattresses on the cost of new items (unless the claimant is a squatter) although, if a claimant has already acquired or made arrangements for a secondhand item but not paid for it, the award will be based on the actual cost of the item. The cost of delivery can also be met. I understand that the Chief Adjudication Officer has not issued any new advice recently on this subject.