§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) under what circumstances a person on social security, who claims he cannot get a job because he cannot wake up in time in the morning, is given money to buy an alarm clock; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether an individual is eligible for exceptional needs payments from his Department when he is drawing a training allowance in addition to other regular social security benefits;
(3) why a local office of his Department gave Mr. T. Murphy, of Goswell Row, Newbury, Berkshire, £5 to buy an alarm clock, when the cost of the clock was only £3.49; and what compulsory powers there are to insist on repayment of the balance of £1.51.
§ Mr. OrmeI understand that the Supplementary Benefits Commission is willing to consider lump sum payments for items such as working clothes where this will significantly improve the claimant's chances of returning to and remaining in work. These exceptional needs payments are normally made only to those entitled to a weekly payment of supplementary benefit, although there may in some cases be income from other sources. They can prevent a person relying, at far greater cost, on support from public funds; and might in appropriate circumstances cover items such as alarm clocks. The amounts paid are intended to be sufficient to enable the claimant to purchase goods of durable quality; there are no powers to recover any difference between the amount allowed and the price of the article purchased.