§ Mr. Robert B. JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when Mrs. Elizabeth Snoxall (Ref. WA 237496B) can expect to receive a decision on her disability living allowance application.
§ 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 my hon. Friend and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from M. Bichard to Mr Robert B. Jones, dated 247 27 January 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational 825W matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Miss Elizabeth Snoxall's application for Disability Living Allowance (DLA).I can confirm that outstanding action has now been completed on Miss Snoxall's claim which has been notified to her. The DLA Unit replied separately on 24 January to your earlier correspondence to them about the case.Clearly your constituent has not received the standard of service which she has every right to expect from the Agency. I offer my sincere apologies for the delay in dealing with her claim and for the distress and frustration this must have caused. My letter of 19 October 1992 to all MPs explained the problems the Agency has faced since the successful launch of the new benefits and the positive steps taken to improve the situation. I can assure you that every effort is being made by staff and management to improve the response time and service to our customers.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will apper in the Official Report. A copy will also he placed in the Library.