HC Deb 27 October 1989 vol 158 cc665-6W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many persons aged 16 and 17 years have(a) applied for and (b) been granted crisis loans under the social fund for each of the last 12 months;

(2) how many persons aged 16 and 17 years in receipt of income support have applied for grants or loans from the social fund in each of the past 12 months.

Mr. Scott

I regret that the information is not available.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many persons aged 16 and 17 years have been considered for receipt of income support under the rules for severe hardship(a) prior to and (b) following the changes announced in July;

(2) how many persons aged 16 and 17 years have been refused income support in each of the past 12 months.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

The number of applications from 16 and 17-year-olds considered for receipt of income support under the rules for severe hardship in the periods specified are:

Number Per cent.
Until 7 July 1989
Granted income support 7,428 65
Refused income support 4,040 35
Total 11,468
From 10 July 1989 to 13 October 1989
Granted income support 3,913 69
Refused income support 1,763 31
Total 5,676

Notes:

1. Based on 100 per cent. count of applications received.

2. Information relates to the number of applications received rather than to the number of individual young people involved. Some individuals may have made more than one application.

The total number of 16 and 17-year-olds who have been refused income support in each of the past 12 months is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons aged 16 and 17 years who are living in night shelters or are otherwise homeless have applied for grants, loans or income support in each of the past 12 months.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

This information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his Department intends to issue further guidance to local offices of the rules governing income support for persons aged 16 and 17 years and the changes made in July.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

Following the announcement in March of the improvements to help 16 and 17-year-olds claiming income support, special training was provided for all staff dealing with young people. A number of voluntary organisations were involved in the preparation of the training package, which emphasises the need for sensitivity when dealing with young people who may have been physically or sexually abused. There are standing arrangements for new staff to receive the training.

There is no evidence to suggest that this special training is inadequate but the Government are committed to monitoring the effects of the provisions for young people. If that indicates a need for further guidance, we shall make appropriate arrangements.

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