§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many victims of(a) culpable accidents, (b) illnesses and (c) diseases are now settling for compensation of £2,500 or less; and what assessment he has made of the relationship between the number settling at this level and the rules of the compensation recovery unit. [2902]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellSettlements at or under £2,500 are not necessarily notified to the compensation recovery unit. However, the effect of the small payments limit on settlements has been examined as part of a compliance cost assessment of the changes to the compensation recovery scheme proposed by the Social Security Select Committee. The assessment will be published shortly.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to raise the limit of £2,500 as the threshold for non-recovery by the compensation recovery unit. [2903]
§ Mr. MitchellA consultation document was published in October on the implications of changes to the compensation recovery scheme proposed by the Social Security Select Committee. One issue discussed in the consultation document is the future of the small payments limit of £2,500. The Government are now considering the responses to the consultation exercise, and will announce their decision in due course.