DWP Central Freedom of Information Team

e-mail: [DWP request email]

Our Ref: VTR 1138

29 June 2009

Dear Ms Gibb

Freedom of Information Request - VTR 1138

I am writing in response to your Freedom of Information request of 15 June in which you asked for information about intervention where there is chronic endowment shortfall(s).

Did the DWP assist persons on benefit with endowment mortgages to get adequate compensation (reducing their chronic endowment mortgage shortfall) and thus reduce the government's on-going commitments re mortgage interest payments?

The Department does not help customers with endowment mortgages to obtain compensation.

In essence citizens now wonder if it would have been more prudent to remain in the UK and on benefits for the last 10 - 15 years as opposed to seeking employment overseas.

The Department cannot comment on this statement.

And can the Department now clarify HOW MANY recipients of mortgage payments are receiving assistance with endowment payments where these remain a part of the condition of their mortgage agreement.

I have established that the information you requested is not held by this Department. The Department does not provide assistance with endowment products.

If you are not satisfied with my handling of your request please tell me why within two calendar months of the date of this letter. I will then arrange for someone to conduct an internal review of your request and my handling. The review will be conducted by another officer, usually of a more senior grade to myself. This person will have taken no part in my original decision. You will be advised of their decision in writing.

If you are still not content with the outcome of the internal review you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner to look into the way your request has been handled. Please note that generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have first exhausted DWP's own complaints procedure. The Commissioner can be contacted at:

FoI Complaints Resolution

Information Commissioner's Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

Fax: 01625 545 510

Email: [email address]

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Yours sincerely

DWP Central FoI Team