§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements are made to ensure people on remand in custody awaiting trial receive any supplementary benefits or unified housing to which they are entitled.
§ Dr. BoysonPeople in legal custody cannot themselves receive supplementary benefit but a claim would be accepted from a prisoner's partner to meet the requirements of herself and any dependent children. If requested, weekly payments in respect of supplementary benefit housing requirements, such as mortgage interest, can be made to a mortgagee or landlord for a single claimant who is on remand awaiting trial or sentence, or a lump sum payment can be made when the prisoner has been discharged.
If a person remains responsible for rent and/or rates whilst in legal custody he may be entitled to housing benefit, the administration of which is the responsibility of local authorities.