§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated cost of implementing the recommendation of the Social Security Advisory Committee that hardship payments to young people aged 16 to 17 years should be available as soon as it is accepted that hardship exists without the need for a further claim and interview with a social fund officer.
§ Mr. BurtThe information requested is not available. Immediate help is, however, already available to those at risk of severe hardship through the social fund crisis loan. Also, Benefits Agency offices are taking steps to simplify the claiming process.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what statements have been made to the Social Security Advisory Committee by his local office staff concerning the value of requiring young people eligible for hardship payments to apply for a crisis loan for the first one to two weeks; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. BurtThe chairman and members of the Social Security Advisory Committee make frequent visits to local offices. Their conversations with staff members are not monitored or subjected to scrutiny by the Department or the Benefits Agency.