§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will review the criteria by which furniture grants are assessed, in order that supplementary benefit claimants may find it easier to move from bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation to more permanent housing.
§ Dr. BoysonA recent tribunal of social security commissioners' decision and the related guidance from the Chief Adjudication Officer (a copy of which is in the Library) should help to ensure that the supplementary benefit regulations relating to payments for essential furniture and household equipment to claimants moving into unfurnished accommodation are applied fairly and consistently throughout the country. We have also asked374W the social security policy inspectorate to investigate the way these provisions are working and will be considering whether any changes in policy are appropriate in the light of their report.
§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the present Department of Health and Social Security rules concerning the allocation of furniture grants do not discriminate against single people or childless couples.
§ Dr. BoysonAs single payments of supplementary benefit for essential furniture and household equipment to claimants moving into unfurnished accommodation can often amount to quite substantial sums, we have taken the view that it would not be right to make such payments to unemployed, healthy, childless couples and single people when there is suitable alternative furnished accommodation available to them. Pensioners, the sick, and families with children can obtain. furniture single payments without having to satisfy this criterion.