Multi-occupied Properties

HC Deb 08 December 1988 vol 143 cc325-6W

Mr. Rooker

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy that his Department's local office inform local authorities and fire authorities of hostels and other multi-occupied properties which claimants give as addresses for benefit.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Information supplied by benefit claimants is held in strict confidence. The staff in local offices may, however, consult local authority social services and/or fire prevention officers in confidence when in their view there are serious risks to the life or health of an individual claimant arising from the condition of a home or hostel.

Mr. Rooker

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his local office staff recommended to claimants the 24 bed hostel in Hay Mills, Birmingham.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

No. Local office staff do not recommend addresses to claimants.