Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the Department collects data on loss, resale, or misuse of equipment provided via the Flexible Support Fund.

The department does not hold central records on the loss, resale, or suspected misuse of Flexible Support Fund (FSF) funded equipment. Information is captured at individual customer level and is not collated nationally for reporting purposes.

Work coaches must ensure all awards made under the FSF are reasonable and represent good value for money in terms of improving employment prospects and reducing the time spent on benefits.

Following an FSF award, work coaches are expected to undertake appropriate follow-up activity to ensure support has been used as intended. Where concerns arise, work coaches may seek further information from the customer and, where appropriate, consider recovery of funds. Independent post-award checks provide an additional layer of assurance.