HC Deb 23 July 1999 vol 335 c678W
Ms Moran

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will provide public funds for those eligible under the concession to immigration rules in respect of domestic violence and the one year rule; [92466]

(2) what assessment he has made of the feasibility of reclaiming public funds from liable relatives in instances where such support may be given to those subject to the concession in the immigration rules in respect of domestic violence and the one year rule. [92469]

Angela Eagle

People who are awarded indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom under the concession to the immigration rules announced by the Home Secretary can claim Social Security benefits. Those people who are pursuing an application for indefinite leave under the concession will continue not to have access to the benefit system until a favourable decision has been made on their application.

Married couples are liable to maintain one another under section 78 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992. The Benefits Agency aims to pursue liable relatives for spousal maintenance wherever a separated person claims an income related benefit.