§ Mr. WatsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what effect he expects the closure of the severe hardship unit in Glasgow to have on the success rates of 16 and 17-year-old applicants for severe hardship allowance;
(2) what benefits, other than of a financial nature, he expects to accrue to his Department as a result of the closure of the severe hardship unit in Glasgow.
§ Mr. BurtThe severe hardship unit in Glasgow has not been closed. From April 1994, specially trained officers in local district offices have delegated authority to make decisions on severe hardship. However, certain types of decisions will still be referred to the unit, in particular, any decision to withhold an award of income support.
It is not expected that these changes will influence the success rate. This partial devolution is intended to improve the service by accelerating the decision making process and rendering it more personal to the customer. Results will continue to be monitored.