§ Mrs. Anne CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action the Government have taken to regulate independent benefits consultancies. [122443]
§ Mr. PondIndependent benefits consultancies are not subject to regulation by this Department.
The best source of information about entitlement to state pensions and benefits is the Department's own staff. We publicise contact information widely, including details of local offices and specialist help-lines.
Independent advice is also widely available free of charge through organisations affiliated to the Federation of Independent Advice Centres, Citizens Advice Bureaux and disability organisations.
We are also working with local authorities and organisations that represent disabled people to ensure that the right information gets to claimants. Our aim is to work with these partners who are best placed to target potential benefits customers in an individual and focused way.