§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what formal obligations are imposed on statutory appointees for state benefits to act in the best interests of those entitled to them; and what sanctions are taken against those who fail to meet those obligations. [188230]
§ Mr. PondApplicants to become an appointee are interviewed and are required to sign a declaration (on form BF56).
This requires them to spend any money they receive from social security benefits, pensions and allowances and Inland Revenue tax credit, on behalf of, and in the interests of the benefit customer.
They are required to sign that they have read, understood and accept the conditions of being an appointee.
If the appointment is confirmed, the appointee is given form BF57 which repeats the message given in the BF56.
If an appointee fails to meet their obligations, the Secretary of State may, in addition to any further action that might be appropriate, revoke the appointment.