HC Deb 13 April 1984 vol 58 c407W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue guidelines through his Department's local offices about the types of draught-proofing material which can be purchased by claimants using single payments under the supplementary benefits scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Boyson

The Supplementary Benefit (Single Payments) Regulations provide for payments to be made to claimants with less than £500 savings for draught proofing materials of reasonable quality. It is for the independent adjudicating authorities to decide whether a claimant is entitled to a payment and, if so, how much. The Chief Supplementary Benefit Officer has issued guidance to benefit officers in the S Manual (paragraphs 7311 and 7312) a copy of which is in the Library. I have no power to intervene in this guidance or the interpretation of the regulations by the independent adjudicating authorities. If a claimant feels that he has been wrongly refused benefit he has a right of appeal to an independent appeal tribunal.