§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what facilities he is providing to ensure that family credit claims are processed rapidly; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottThe central unit which previously administered family income supplement has been expanded to handle the higher level of claims expected under family credit, and an entirely new computer system has been developed and brought into use. Arrangements provide for priority to be given to claims where people have just started work following unemployment and to cases referred by local offices as being in financial difficulties whilst awaiting the award of family credit.
§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the total number of applications for family credit which have been processed and paid from his Department's office areas for Leeds road, Law Russell house and Westfield house in Bradford; and if he will make a statement;
519W(2) what is the number of applicants for family credit from the office areas for Leeds road, Law Russell house and Westfield house in Bradford; how many people were in receipt of family income supplement for those same areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottFamily credit claims are dealt with centrally, as were claims for family income supplement, and no information is available about claims from particular local areas for either benefit.