To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the new procedural instructions dealing with review procedures within the family credit unit were implemented; who issued the instructions; and what arrangements are in place to ensure that the Family Credit Customer Services are informed of them. [31952]

On 7 April 1997, changes were introduced in the Social Security system which simplified and aligned rules on the backdating of claims to benefits and reviews of benefit.Information about the changes and new procedural instructions for Family Credit staff were issued by the Family Credit Adjudication Liaison Section. Instructions were issued to all staff (adjudication officers and above) at the Family Credit Unit, including staff in the Customer Services section.