§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement outlining the procedures which are followed in ascertaining whether, for purposes of financial assistance, a young person is genuinely estranged from his or her parents; what evidence is considered in such cases; by whom the decision is made; and what right of appeal exists against any decision.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardAll staff dealing with young people have been fully trained, especially on the need for tact and sensitivity when dealing with this vulnerable group. All claims for income support from 16 to 17-year-old claimants are referred to an adjudication officer. Guidance on the treatment of such claims is contained in the adjudication officer's guide. Advance guidance has been given to adjudication officers in AOG (Memo vol. 3/13), a copy of which is in the Library. In addition, the Secretary of State has the power to direct eligibility if the payment of benefit is the only way to prevent severe hardship. A direction takes into account all the individual's circumstances including, if appropriate, estrangement from parents. Once such a direction is made the adjudication officer will consider entitlement in the normal way. All decisions of an adjudication officer carry the right of appeal to an independent appeal tribunal.
§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in how many cases since the revised regulations became effective benefits have been paid to young people aged 16 and 17 years because they were deemed to be genuinely estranged from their parents.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe latest available information is that, over the period to the end of September, some 3,100 claims from 16 and 17-years-olds resulted in the award of income support at the higher 18 to 24-year-old 309W rate because of the changes introduced in July. This includes young people who were estranged from their parents but separate figures are not available for this group.