§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will withdraw new instructions issued to social security staff in August 1995 that require them when assessing eligibility for income support in circumstances where the claimant was alleging abuse or significant harm, to probe into the nature and extent of that abuse. [6970]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyWe want a system that supports work, savings and honesty; and provides better, simpler and more efficient services to claimants. The guidance on claims from young people in the circumstances described ensures handling by staff trained in these sensitive matters. The Government has no plans to withdraw the guidance which provides an opportunity to highlight cases of abuse and to take necessary action.
As Income Support for the unemployed has been replaced by income based Jobseeker's Allowance any 519W further consideration of this matter will be for the Secretary of State for Education and Employment.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to simplify the process for claiming income support by people who go into residential care for temporary periods. [6973]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyWe will streamline services to provide better, simpler, more efficient services to clients. We fully recognise the importance that temporary placements have in providing respite care for carers and for those needing care. We are examining the current process for dealing with benefit claims to make procedures as simple and straightforward as possible and this will include the particular difficulties which can arise for people who need to claim Income Support for temporary periods in residential care.