§ 31. Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what arrangements he will make to ensure the welfare of dependants of those from whom benefits are withdrawn. [142141]
§ Mr. RookerWithdrawing benefit from those who have failed to honour their responsibilities is an established feature of the benefit system. So too are safeguards to prevent hardship.
75WOur recent proposals to sanction, to withdraw or to reduce benefits payable to those twice convicted of benefit fraud will be underpinned by these safeguards. Thus, those without any other means will be able to apply for help on a similar basis to that provided to unemployed claimants who have failed to make themselves available for work. Moreover, the new proposals will not affect benefits payable for dependants, such as child benefit.