§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will investigate the reason why the Cannock Chase district council is not carrying out calculations to ascertain whether Mrs. S. E. Parker of 56 Park View Terrace, Rugeley, Staffordshire, is entitled to housing benefit supplement to enable his Department's Cannock office to ascertain her eligibility for exceptionally cold weather benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MajorEntitlement to housing benefit supplement is first assessed by the relevant local authority who then refer the award to the supplementary benefit office for formal authorisation. The Department's Cannock office has now received and authorised an HBS award for Mrs. Parker and is therefore able to consider her claim for an exceptionally cold weather payment.