Oral Question: Benefit Claims (Deaf People)

Speech by Annette Brooke MP delivered to House of Commons on Mon 28th Nov 2005

Annette Brooke Speaking in the House of Commons

11. Annette Brooke (Mid-Dorset and North Poole) (LD): What representations he has received about the difficulties that people who are prelingually profoundly deaf may experience while claiming benefits; and if he will make a statement. [31692]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mrs. Anne McGuire): Our aim is to provide an accessible service to all our customers. People who are prelingually profoundly deaf may claim benefit in a variety of ways, including by using a British sign language interpreter, or suitable communicator, to help in their own home if required.

Annette Brooke: Is the Minister aware that a recent survey of all customer service managers in the disability and carers service by the ombudsman's office revealed that only three requests for British sign language interpreters had been received in a whole year? From the ombudsman's report, which overwhelmingly supported my constituent, it appears that help is needed to access help. Will the Minister assure me that she will work with the voluntary sector and other bodies to improve accessibility to the benefits system—and, indeed, pathways to work—for anyone with a sensory disability?

Mrs. McGuire: I am aware of the case that the hon. Lady mentions, and I hope that I can give her some reassurance. Among other organisations, my officials are meeting Sign It!, which I understand was the group that supported her constituent. That group provides communication and interpreter support to the deaf community. We are working with it to explore the potential for improving arrangements for making claims. I reassure the House that the disability and carers service has produced a British sign language DVD version of its customer information leaflet, which will be available from 16 December 2005. We are examining further ways in which we can ensure that communication is extended.