Board and Lodging

HC Deb 12 July 1985 vol 82 cc563-4W

Mr. Sean Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases of alleged hardship have been brought to his Department's attention involving young people in the Huyton and Prescot area as a result of the new board and lodging rules.

Mr. Whitney

I understand that the local offices concerned have received some enquiries about the exemption categories and one appeal against a determination made under the new rules.

Mr. Sean Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average reported delay in the transfer of relevant papers between benefit offices dealing with the claims of young people under the board and lodging rules.

Mr. Whitney

This information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. We are not aware of any serious delays but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind perhaps he would let me know.

Mr. Sean Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average payment and average length of time for which benefit is claimed under the board and lodging rules in the Huyton and Prescot area.

Mr. Whitney

This information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Sean Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases have been brought to his Department's attention, both nationally and in the Huyton and Prescot area, of young people awaiting payment under the new board and lodging rules for over a month.

Mr. Whitney

We are not aware of any such cases.

Mr. Sean Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases have been brought to his Department's attention, since the introduction of the new board and lodging rules, of young people being ruled ineligible for single payments for furniture both nationally and in the Huyton and Prescot office; and if he will list the various reasons given.

Mr. Whitney

No information is collected locally or nationally on the reasons for refusal of any type of single payment. We are not aware of any case brought to the attention of the Department where, as a consequence of the introduction of the new board and lodging rules, a young person has been ruled ineligible for a single payment for furniture.