§ Mr. Colin ShepherdTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications for family credit have now been granted since the inception of the scheme; and how many applications are currently awaiting determination.
§ Mr. ScottBy 2 December, 280,986 claims for family credit had resulted in awards and a further 47,925 claims were awaiting determination. In addition, 206,279 family income supplement recipients were awarded family credit without having to make a claim.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many individuals claim family credit from each of his Department's offices in Nottingham; and how many individuals are entitled to claim family credit in Nottingham.
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§ Mr. Peter LloydFamily credit claims are dealt with centrally and information is not available on a local basis.
§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average length of time it takes to process a family credit claim from a self-employed applicant.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[holding answer 2 December]: Just under 34 working days in respect of self-employed cases cleared during November. Of this, less than 11 working days was for work within the family credit branch. The other 23 days were taken up by waiting for responses to inquiries.