§ 13. Mr. Les Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance or advice he has given to the offices of his Department and to social services departments following the introduction of the £2,000 limit for obtaining supplementary benefits.
§ Mrs. ChalkerInstructions were issued to all the Department's local offices setting out the changes to the supplementary benefits scheme which came into effect on 24 November. A circular was also sent to all local authorities, including directors of social services, which described the major changes, including the new capital rule.
§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will raise the cut-off point for supplementary benefit from £2,000 in savings to a figure nearer to £5,000.
§ Mrs. ChalkerNot at present. My right hon. Friend will, however be keeping the matter under review.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will review the arrangements under which individuals are or may be refused supplementary benefit on the grounds that their capital exceeds the maximum amount allowed where access to such capital is strictly limited.
§ Mrs. ChalkerIt will be for the independent adjudicating authorities—the benefit officer in the first instance—to decide in the light of the regulations and case law decided by the social security commissioner as it72W evolves what is capital and whether or not it is available to a claimant. I understand that the chief supplementary benefits officer will be issuing guidance to benefit officers on this point and that he will be making that guidance public.