HL Deb 15 March 1993 vol 543 cc78-80WA
Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many people aged 16 or 17 are in receipt of income support under the severe hardship provisions, and what is the average length of time for which they have been in receipt.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Henley)

The information requested is not readily available.

Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many applications from 16 and 17 year-olds for severe hardship payments were received in the latest year for which figures were available, what percentage of these applications were successful, what percentage were new applications and what percentage were applications for renewal, and what are the percentage success rates for new and repeat claims.

Lord Henley

In 1992 102,064 claims were received of which 82 per cent. were successful. Seventy-two per cent. were new applications, and 28 per cent. were continuous. Seventy-eight per cent. of new applications and 94 per cent. of continuous applications were successful.