§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many people in Burnley were receiving board and lodging allowances at the latest date for which figures are available;
(2) how many people under 25 years were receiving board and lodging allowances at the latest date for which figures are available in Burnley.
§ Mr. WhitneyI regret that the analyses of board and lodging in all local offices including Burnley, following the 29 April changes, have not yet been completed. Prior to this date, information on the number of supplementary benefit claimants receiving board and lodging allowances was not available separately.
§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services within what timescale he expects appeals against rejection of applications for exemption under the new board and lodgings regulations to be heard normally; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonWhen an appeal is lodged at a local office, the decision appealed against is immediately examined to ensure that the decision is correct. For supplementary benefit decisions, over half of all appeals are either withdrawn or superseded following this reexamination. In the first quarter of 1984, the latest period for which information is available, the average length of time from lodgement of a supplementary benefit appeal to initial hearing by a social security appeal tribunal was ten and a half weeks. Separate information about appeals on exemption under the 1985 board and lodging regulations is not available.