§ 51. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has had on home visiting in connection with supplementary benefit claimants; how much is expected to be saved by the proposed cuts in this service; and whether he will reconsider this policy.
§ Mr. DeakinsWe have received inquiries and representations from the TUC, certain individual trade unions, trades councils, hon. Members and voluntary organisations, and a few members of the public. The new arrangements were designed to make better use of resources by reducing the overall amount of visiting, but it was found possible to increase review visiting to the disabled, the elderly and other long-term cases.
The changes were introduced in January and will save about 500 staff. We have no plans to reconsider them.