§ Mr. Michieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) for what period details of payments to claimants in receipt of supplementary and unemployment benefits are kept by local offices;
(2) what recourse is available for claimants of supplementary and unemployment benefits in dispute of sums paid to them over 18 months previously.
§ Dr. BoysonFull details of supplementary benefit authorised for payment through the unemployment benefit office are held for as long as a claim is current and for at least 18 months following the last payment. Unemployment benefit offices keep full details of supplementary benefit and unemployment benefit paid for at least 12 months from the date of payment. Where full records are no longer available, any matter of dispute in an individual case must be decided on the basis of such information as can be provided.