§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 5 April,Official 646W Report, column 1224, in respect of evidence of estrangement in the payment of income support to 16 and 17-year-olds, what changes his Department has requested in the practices operated by Benefits Agency officers; and what liaison he has had with the Department of Health in this respect. [28328]
§ Mr. Roger EvansExpanded guidance on dealing with claims under the severe hardship provision is expected to be issued to Benefits Agency offices shortly. The purpose of the guidance is to ensure consistency across the country in respect of the proper verification of claims. The guidance is being developed in consultation with the Department of Health.
§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to reintroduce a mortgage benefit to assist low-income owner occupiers who are not eligible for social security help with mortgage interest payments. [28302]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThere has never been a mortgage benefit for low-income owner occupiers and we have no plans to introduce one.