§ Annabelle EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many benefit claim packs are issued by his Department which refer claimants to Citizens Advice Bureau for advice and assistance. [84227]
§ Malcolm WicksDuring 2001–02, over 21.5 million benefit claim packs were printed and issued to the Department's local offices. The Department does not keep records of the number of these packs which have been issued to members of the public or requested by the Citizens Advice Bureaux.
Our staff offer people the help and advice they need to claim the benefits they are entitled to, and the support those who are able to work need to find jobs. In accordance with the express wishes of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, many of our claim packs and leaflets advise people that they can receive independent advice from their local Citizens Advice Bureau. The Department has no information on the number of people who seek such advice and does not keep records of the number who are directed by staff to a Citizens Advice Bureau or other local advisory services.