§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements are made to allow those claiming contributory or non-contributory state benefits to have access to information held about them on which their entitlements are assessed; what guidance he has issued on this matter; whether he proposes to take any steps to allow greater access to such information held on automated and non-automated records; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonClaimants to social security benefits are advised to consult their local office about details of individual claims, and local office staff are instructed to take all reasonable steps to assist them. Information about conditions of entitlement to benefits is generally available through a wide range of departmental publications.
In individual cases, decisions regarding title to benefit are made by independent adjudicating authorities; they are usually promulgated to claimants by a written explanatory notice which also explains any statutory right of appeal. On appeal, documentary information on which the decision is based is made available to the appellant and/or his representative.
There are no plans to alter the ways in which access to personal information is already made available to individual claimants; the Data Protection Bill will, however, allow a general, formal access by individuals to automated personal records when it comes into operation.
§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what arrangements are made for individuals applying for a subsistence and travel allowance in order to visit a member of their family in prison to have access to information held about them on which their entitlements are assessed; what guidance he has issued on 229W this matter; whether he proposes to allow greater access to such information whether held in automated and non-automated records; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) what arrangements are made for individuals applying for a subsistence and travel allowance in order to visit a member of their family in prison in Scotland to have access to information held about them on which their entitlements are assessed; what guidance he has issued on this matter; whether he proposes to allow greater access to such information whether held on automated and non-automated records; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonThe basic rules of the scheme are outlined in the supplementary benefits handbook and staff are encouraged to explain entitlement conditions to applicants. There are no proposals for changing the methods by which information is currently given to individual applicants.