§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 21 July 1998,Official Report, columns 495–96, concerning liable relatives, if she will review the application of Paragraph 4(b) of the Code of Open Government Practice to such cases. [52279]
§ Mr. DenhamReview of the application of the guidance is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 27 July 1998:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question, pursuant to the answer on 20 July concerning liable relatives, if she will review the application of applying Paragraph 4(b) of the Code of Open Government Practice to such cases.Whilst the current guidance relating to liable relatives is not wholly available in the public domain, requests for access to information contained within the guidance is always considered on an individual basis and granted where possible. As I explained in my letter of 20 July certain guidance is restricted to minimise the possibility of abuse.The Benefits Agency (BA) regularly reviews its codes in line with current Departmental guidelines. As part of the ongoing move towards open Government the BA will undertake a review of the192WResidual Liable Relatives & Proceedings Guide" and will make appropriate sections available. Until this review has been completed, requests for information will continue to be considered on an individual claim basis.I hope you find this reply helpful.