HL Deb 27 May 1993 vol 546 cc35-6WA
Lord Airedale

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In view of their Answer concerning compensation for delays in payment of benefits (House of, and Commons, 4th May 1993, Written Answers, col. 10, Benefits (Payment Delays))

  1. (1) what are the arrangements for informing citizens generally of the contents of the Answer, and
  2. (2) whether the words "without the need for claims for compensation from customers" apply generally or only to the special circumstances referred to.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Henley)

As well as the press release, issued on 4th May, which outlined the special compensation scheme and the revised arrangements applicable from 1st April, the Benefits Agency is to write to welfare rights organisations advising them of the special scheme for disability living allowance customers.

(2) The words "without the need for claims for compensation from customers" referred specifically to those who may qualify for compensation under the special arrangements introduced for disability living allowance customers. However Benefits Agency staff have standing instructions to consider compensation in all cases where payment of benefit has been unduly delayed.