HC Deb 24 February 1986 vol 92 cc468-9W
Mr. Frank Field

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to the statement of 17 February, Official Report, column 30, he will list each of the steps he has taken to bring to the attention of claimants the availability of special payments in areas where exceptionally severe weather has been declared.

Mr. Newton

In early January 1986, following the revised guidance issued by the Chief Adjudication Officer on this subject, local offices were advised to follow standing instructions on publicity arrangements in areas where exceptionally severe weather had been declared. (A copy of both the relevant paragraphs of the S Manual, 7448–7450, and S Circular 48/85 are in the Library).

Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons have received payments in each area now officially designated as exceptionally cold; and what was the average individual payment in each area.

Mr. Newton

The information requested is not yet available. When the period during which the possibility of such payments is likely to arise is over, local offices will be asked to make a return so that the total number of payments made for this winter and the cost can be calculated.

Ms. Harman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he has asked the fuel boards to send out claim forms for exceptionally severe weather payments to all claimants on fuel direct at the same time as their bill;

(2) where he has distributed leaflets about exceptionally severe weather payments;

(3) if he has distributed leaflets advising claimants about exceptionally severe weather payments to family practitioner committees for distribution to claimants through general practitioner surgeries.

Mr. Newton

Paragraphs 7448–7450 of the S Manual, a copy of which is in the Library, cover the publicity arrangements to be followed in areas where exceptionally severe weather has been declared.

Most local offices already have a supply of leaflets both for display themselves and to distribute to local organisations; further supplies of these were sent out last week.

The S Manual provides for leaflets to be sent to local authority Social Services departments, housing benefit offices, advice bureaux and other agencies but not specifically family practitioner committees. Where fuel boards are willing and able to identify fuel direct claimants, they will send them a letter, incorporating a claim form, with their bill. Otherwise local offices are under instructions to write to these claimants themselves.

Ms. Harman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how much was paid out to claimants for exceptionally severe weather payments in 1985 by(a) Blenheim grove office, SE15, (b) Bournemouth road office, SE15 and (c) London offices;

(2) how many claims were accepted for payment under exceptionally severe weather in 1985 in (a) Blenheim grove office, (b) Bournemouth road office and (c) London offices.

Mr. Newton

I shall let the hon. Member have replies as soon as possible.

Ms. Harman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when leaflets about exceptionally severe weather payments will be made available to Department of Health and Social Security offices in (a) Blenheim grove, SE15, (b) Bournemouth road, SE15 and (c) London offices.

Mr. Newton

An additional supply of leaflets was sent to all offices in south London on 20 February 1986 and to all offices in north London on 21 February 1986.

Ms. Harman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if people who cannot estimate normal consumption of fuel because they were (i) abroad, (ii) in prison, (iii) in hospital and (iv) not responsible for fuel bills for any other reason in the comparison period will be eligible for payments for extra heating due to exceptionally severe weather.

Mr. Newton

I refer the hon. Member to the guidance issued by the Chief Adjudication Officer on 6 December 1985, a copy of which is in the Library.