§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidance is issued to social fund officers about the dietary requirements of(a) adult men, (b) adult women, (c) children and (d) those persons aged 16 and 17 years when considering a claim for a crisis loan or income support under severe hardship rules.
§ Mr. ScottSocial fund officers are not provided with guidance on the dietary requirements of different categories of people. We expect social fund officers to use their experience and judgment in deciding how much an applicant needs in a crisis to avoid serious risk to the health and safety of the individual or his family. This will depend on the circumstances of each case including any particular health problems.