§ 69. Mr. Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services which recommendations of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux report, poverty and paying for fuel, which are within his departmental responsibility, he intends to implement.
§ Dr. BoysonThe National Associaion of Citizens Advice Bureaux report drew attention to the need for close162W liaison between DHSS and the fuel boards. Although liaison, both nationally and locally, between DHSS and fuel boards about the operation of the fuel direct scheme is generally satisfactory, DHSS local offices are being encouraged, under the priorities which have been agreed by the Department's regional organisation, to concentrate on improving liaison further. Staff are already aware of the fuel board's code of practice on disconnections and of the joint statement of intent on the fuel direct scheme 'which is printed in the S Manual (appendix 9), a copy of which is in the Library.
The NACAB report also recommended that additional payments for fuel should be made more accessible and extensive. The Government are doing a great deal to help poor people afford heating. Since 1978, the level of supplementary benefit heating additions has increased by about 140 per cent. compared with an increase of about 100 per cent. in fuel prices so that heating additions are now worth more than ever before. The range of people entitled to heating additions has been extended so that heating additions are given to a larger proportion of claimants than ever before.