HC Deb 29 March 1999 vol 328 c526W
Mr. Kidney

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that staff who operate(a) the Single Work Focused Gateway and (b) the Housing Benefit Service are trained to identify carers and advise them of the services available; [78546]

(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that staff who operate the Single Work Focused Gateway are trained to identify carers and advise them of the services available. [78550]

Angela Eagle

All Single Gateway staff, including those who work for local authorities, will undergo a comprehensive training programme which will ensure that they have the necessary balance of skills in order to deal with a wide range of clients, including carers. The Carers' National Association and other groups are involved in the training of Single Gateway staff.