§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans to reduce the numbers of visits by benefit officers to the homes of elderly people requiring assistance with filling in claims forms for supplementary and other benefits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonA recent internal review of benefit visiting concluded that some visits served no useful146W purpose and recommended that they should shop. Following this, we will shortly end most visits to single supplementary benefit claimants living in other people's households. Visiting will, however, be continued where this is the most effective way of dealing with the claim.
The Department recognises that elderly claimants have special needs. We are examining different ways of identifying these and ensuring that they are met. Any changes would include provision for visits to pensioners who needed help in completing claim forms and to those with welfare or other needs. We would also monitor the new arrangements to ensure that claimants were receiving their full entitlement and were aware of their rights and obligations. This might include random visits to a small percentage of claimants.