HC Deb 17 December 1996 vol 287 cc533-4W
Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the estimated savings in his Department in(a) 1997–98 and (b) future years as a result of the changes to reduced earnings allowance. [8705]

Mr. Roger Evans

Savings in 1997–98 and 1998–99 have been estimated at £35 million per year.

Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give a breakdown by location of those affected by amendments to regulations relating to the reduced earnings allowance. [8725]

Mr. Evans

The available information is set out in the table:

Reduced earnings allowance cases by area directorate
Area directorate Number of cases
AD1—East London And Anglia 882
AD2—Chilterns 409
AD3—London South 1,984
AD4—West Country 890
AD5—Mercia 2,735
AD6—West Midlands 797
AD7—Wales 2,127
AD8—North West Coast 1,790
AD9—Greater Manchester 1,692
AD10—Yorkshire 2,046
AD11—Tyne Tees 4,470
AD12—West of Scotland 521
AD13—East of Scotland 1,209
Benefit Centres 76
Total 21,628

Source:

Benefits Agency

100 per cent. count as at 31 October 1996 and subject to amendment.

Note:

Information relates to the amendment regulation that were introduced on 24 March 1996.

Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations he has received about changes in the reduced earnings allowance. [8721]

Mr. Evans

As at 9 December, we had over the preceding six weeks received 12 representations from hon. Members and 14 from members of the public.

Ms Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals there have been to social security appeals tribunals against reductions in the reduced earnings allowance; what were the results of these appeals; how many appeals are to be considered by the Social Security Commissioners; by what date the appeals will be heard; and if he will make a statement. [8726]

Mr. Evans

The information regarding appeals to social security tribunals is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Since the amending regulations came into force from 24 March, there have been 24 appeals to Social Security Commissioners, 20 are from claimants and four from adjudication officers. It is not possible to say at this stage when the appeals will be heard.

Forward to