HC Deb 28 November 1988 vol 142 cc91-2W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the criteria for eligibility for a hardship payment; why all applicants for hardship payments are referred to his Department in London; what published information is available to the public about eligibility for hardship payments; and what action he proposes to make the public more aware of the availability of hardship payments.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Each application is deat with on its merits but the factors which are considered when making decisions on severe hardship include the young person's health and vulnerability, (including the threat of homelessness); the availability of any income or savings; the prospects of a speedy entry in YTS; the availability of work, including casual and part-time employment; whether the claimant has any friends or relations who could put him up or otherwise offer assistance, and the extent and pressing nature of any financial commitments.

Cases are referred to headquarters for decision as this leads to a consistency of treatment in exercising this safety net power and provides an opportunity to monitor the new scheme.

One million copies of a supplement to leaflet FB23 "Young Persons guide to Social Security" were distributed in May and contained advice about the severe hardship provisions. The main leaflet has now been reprinted and the October edition contains the same information. An explanation of the factors taken into account in deciding applications under these provisions was given to the press on 30 September and a copy has been placed in the Library.

There is no intention to issue any further publicity.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many young people aged 16 and 17 years who left school in the summer have been granted hardship payments since 12 September; how many applications for hardship payments have been refused; how many applications are under consideration; what is the average payment made; and if he will list this information for each local office of his Department in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

In the period from 12 September to 18 November a total of 1,213 applications for a direction by the Secretary of State under the severe hardship provision had been received. In 802 cases (66 per cent.) a direction was given to enable payment to be made and in 411 cases (34 per cent.) a direction was refused. The figures include both those who left school this summer and those who left previously. Decisions are given by telephone within 24 hours of the full details being referred to headquarters. Once a decision is given that a young person is entitled to income support on the grounds of severe hardship the adjudication officer in the local office awards benefit at the appropriate weekly rate for the duration of the direction.

The other information requested is not immediately available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.