§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the savings in 1982–83. and the estimated savings in 1983–84, if mortgage interest ceased to be paid with supplementary benefit.
§ Mr. NewtonIf mortgage interest ceased to be included in supplementary benefit, it is estimated the savings would be £141 million in 1982–83 and £149 million in 1983–84. These estimates are based on 1981 interest rates.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the cost of redesigning and reprinting the postal claim form for supplementary benefit to take account of the introduction of the new housing benefit.
§ Mr. NewtonRedesigning the form is estimated to require one man-week, and the additional cost of reprinting at £40.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what arrangements will be made in local benefit offices to deal with errors made by claimants on the postal claim form for supplementary benefit from 6 December;
(2) how requests for help with completing the postal application form for supplementary benefit will be met by members of staff at local benefit offices; if he is satisfied with these arrangements; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonLocal office receptionists will be ready to give guidance on the completion of the form, but an office interview or home visit can be arranged if this proves necessary. Staff will resolve mistakes and omissions with the claimant by correspondence or telephone, or by office interview or home visit.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that all local benefit offices have adequate supplies of the form SB9.
§ Mr. NewtonI am satisfied that ample stocks of leaflet SB9 are held at both our local offices and those of the Department of Employment.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that local benefit officers will be able properly to ascertain from a completed postal claim form for supplementary benefit whether or not the claimant should be granted householder or non-householder status.
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§ Mr. NewtonI am satisfied that a completed form will provide enough information to determine householder or non-householder status. Doubtful cases will be resolved by further inquiry.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a leaflet, to go automatically to potential unemployed claimants of supplementary benefit together with their postal claim form, which gives comprehensive information about the weekly additions to basic benefit to which they might be entitled.
§ Mr. NewtonNo. General information about weekly payments for special needs is given in leaflet SB9, which is issued by the unemployment benefit office to all unemployed people claiming supplementary benefit. The claim form itself refers to leaflet SB19, which gives more detailed information about special needs payments and is available on request from the Department's offices.