§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received regarding difficulties experienced by claimants for disability living allowance.
§ Mr. ScottWe have received some correspondence about the length and complexity of the claim pack and about the length of time taken to process claims. Some teething problems are not unexpected with such a major change to the administration of disability benefits arid we are closely monitoring the operation of the new system. Nevertheless, the introduction of the new claims process for disability living allowance has been widely welcomed by both disabled people and their organisations as better meeting the needs of disabled people and putting greater reliance on what they have to say about their disability.
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§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the trend in the speed of service at the attendance allowance unit since the introduction of disability living allowance.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of attendance allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.