§ Ms HoeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the increased use of doctors to make assessments for disability living allowance claims.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of disability living allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
122WLetter from Michael Bichard to Ms Kate Hoey, dated 3 December 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security, asking if he will make a statement on the increased use of doctors to make assessments for disability living allowance claims.Decisions on Disability Living Allowance continue to be made by independent adjudicating officers. Wherever possible, these are based on information provided by the customer on the claim form and on guidance in the Disability Handbook. In some cases other evidence is needed, perhaps in the form of a medical examination. Of course, a person may ask for a medical examination rather than supplying additional supporting information.It is true that the number of medical examinations has increased this year, reaching a peak in August 1993 when 28% of cases were decided following a report by an Examining Medical Practitioner (EMP). This compares with 20% of cases in April 1993. However, numbers are now decreasing again and in October 1993, 25% of cases were referred to an EMP.A number of factors have contributed to this increase:a large proportion of customers are requesting a visit from an EMP in preference to completing the self-assessment part of the claim form.as Adjudication Officers gain in experience they recognise more readily the cases which would be more effectively dealt with by an EMP's visit. For example, because a customer may be understating their needs.Self assessment has been widely welcomed. However, we would not want to reduce the element of choice by discouraging anyone from asking for a medical examination if that is what they prefer.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will be placed in the Library.