§ 15. Mr. Phillip Oppenheimasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average length of time between a person registering a claim for supplementary benefit and a decision being reached on that claim in the latest year for which figures are available.
§ The Minister for Social Security (Dr. Rhodes Boyson)In the year ending 14 February 1984 it was five days.
§ Mr. OppenheimIs my hon. Friend aware that the decision on the claim of my constituent, Mr. Allan took no less than four months, causing him much hardship? Although I accept that that is in no way typical, is not that an unacceptable length of time for making a decision on such a claim?
§ Dr. BoysonI appreciate my hon. Friend's concern. I have already written to him about this case. If there are any further points that he would like to bring to my attention, I should be glad to receive them. The average time for supplementary benefit claims to be decided in the various offices in his constituency is between three and seven days.