§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what changes are planned for April in the procedures for claiming income support.
§ Mr. Peter LloydNo changes are planned for April in the procedures for claiming income support.
We have been monitoring the operation of the income support claim procedures, and in particular the claim forms, and are satisfied that they are generally working well. Revised claim forms will be introduced in April to reflect the introduction of the community charge in Scotland—there will be separate versions for Scotland and for England and Wales. The revised forms will also incorporate some minor amendments with a view to improving still further our service to the public.
We shall, of course, continue to monitor the effectiveness of the claim forms and procedures and improve them where necessary.
§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish in theOfficial Report (a) the current number of people in private rest homes receiving 593W income support, (b) the total cost of income support for people living in private rest homes, (c) the current number of people in private nursing homes receiving income support and (d) the total cost of income support for people living in private rest homes.
§ Mr. Peter LloydI regret that the information is not available in the form requested. However, relevant information in respect of independent—that is private and voluntary—homes was provided in my reply to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central (Mr. Cousins) on 21 December 1988 at columns304–6.