§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what special arrangements exist for people from Montserrat relocating in the United Kingdom; [108136]
(2) if he will make a statement on the application of the habitual residence test to evacuees from Montserrat. [108138]
§ Mr. BayleySpecial rules were introduced in 1996 to give people coming from Montserrat, after 1 November 1995 because of the volcanic crisis, immediate access to the main safety net benefits: income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Benefit. These rules effectively exempt people coming from Montserrat from the habitual residence test.
While no special arrangements for access to the Social Fund were made by Montserrations, existing guidance and directions already made provision for community care grants to be considered for families who are experiencing exceptional pressures. However, in 1998 a bulletin was issued to all staff amplifying the circumstances in which grants could be considered: examples specifically included instances where a disaster has resulted in the evacuation to the United Kingdom.