Income Support - Review of Benefit Levels - Approved Panel Minutes - 7 May 2008

Present

Deputy J. A. Martin – Chairman, Deputy G. Southern , Vice-Chairman, Deputy C. J. Scott Warr en and Connétable S. A. Yates

Apologies

Absent

In attendance

Charlie Ahier , Scrutiny Officer

Ref Back

Agenda matter

Action

1. Notes of previous meetings

The  Sub-Panel  approved  the  notes  of  their  meeting  of  the  10th March 2008.

2. Matters Arising

The Sub-Panel noted that the Deputy Scott Warr en had not yet investigated the payment of Attendance Allowance in the UK.

The Sub-Panel agreed to follow up their letter concerning same sex relationships  to  the  Income  Tax  Department.   It  was  agreed  to request a response in time for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Social Security.

CSW CA

3. Public responses to the Call for Evidence'

The Sub-Panel received and noted an updated log of submissions from members of the public.

Following due consideration of the submissions the Sub-Panel agreed to the following actions:

• Group the individual submissions into common areas of concern;
• Write to the Minister to confirm whether a child in a single parent household can be held financially responsible for sibling(s);
• Write to the Minister requesting a breakdown of the numbers of cases under review, appeal or reassessment;

CA CA CA

• Write to the Minister asking if claimants who received HIE under the old system all receive HMAs under Income Support. Additionally asking if new claimants under the new system, who would have been eligible for HIE under the old system, will be entitled to receive HMAs;
• Write to the Minister for Social Security seeking clarification as to the difference between Adult Disability Allowance' and Attendance Allowance' and the transition arrangements from one benefit to the other;

CA

CA

4. Legal Advice

The  Sub-Panel  noted  the  legal  advice  received  from  Advocate Rosemary Colley of Vibert s.

5. Public Hearing with the Minister for Social Security

The Sub-Panel considered the arrangements for the Public Hearing with  the  Minister  for  Social  Security  and  agreed  the  following actions:

• Develop question area headings and circulate to the Sub- Panel for approval prior to forwarding to the Minister for Social Security for his information prior to the Public Hearing;
• Invite all members of the public who made a submission pertaining to this review to attend upon the Sub-Panel at the

Public Hearing on 22nd May 2008;

CA CA

6. Date of next meeting

The Sub-Panel agreed meet at 9:30am on Tuesday 20th May to prepare for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Social Security.