§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer 6 November,Official Report, column 459, if he will publish the guidance issued to social fund officers in respect of the broad range of prices that would be considered reasonable for essential items of furniture compliant with foam furniture regulations.
§ Mr. ScottThe Secretary of State's directions, and his guidance to social fund officers are published in the Social Fund Guide, a copy of which is available in the Library.672W This guidance encourages social fund officers to look at a broad range of prices offered by various suppliers, when considering the amount of an award.
There is no guidance to social fund officers, either in the guide or elsewhere, which suggests specific amounts for items of furniture.