§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many NP1 forms on income support regarding applications for persons aged 75 years or over or 60 years or over and disabled have been distributed; what organisations have received forms directly; when the forms were first made available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardApproximately 5.7 million leaflets have been printed. All these leaflets have now been put out to the various outlets.
The following organisations were sent copies direct:
- Citizens Advice Bureaux
- Womens Royal Voluntary Service
- Age Concern
The first copies were sent out on 7 July. Complete distribution took about two weeks.
In addition, the Department is collaborating with Talking Newspaper on the production of an audio cassette, and with the Royal National Institute for the Blind on a Braille version.
§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what(a) guidance and (b) training is given to staff asking 16 to 17-year-olds claiming income support questions on the nature of their estrangement from their parents.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe chief adjudication officer has issued guidance to staff on the issues, including estrangement, that need to be considered when deciding the entitlement of 16 and 17-year-olds to income support. Instructions on how this information should be obtained are contained in a circular to the income support manual.
A video-based training package on the specific problems of interviewing young people has been given to all staff responsible for undertaking such work. This emphasises the need for tact and sensitivity when questioning a person from a vulnerable sector of the community.