§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, (1) pursuant to his answer of 28 March,Official Report, column 559, relating to unemployment benefit, for what reasons a local councillor is regarded as being unavailable for paid work within social security regulations; [17956]
(2) on what grounds (a) convicted criminals who are subject to community service orders are deemed to be available for work and (b) elected local councillors who are registered as unemployed are deemed unavailable for work for the purposes of receiving unemployment benefit. [18283]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThere are no deeming provisions which relate specifically to convicted criminals who are subject to community service orders or to elected local councillors.
Questions of doubt regarding a claimant's availability are referred to an adjudication officer.
Guidance on the determination of these questions is contained in the "Adjudication Officers Guide" volume 10, paragraphs 86030 et seq, a copy of which is in the Library. Specific reference is made to councillors and convicted criminals at paragraphs 86083 and 86087.