§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total cost of processing appeals under the habitual residence test in each year since its introduction; what is the average cost incurred in considering the case of an applicant who exhausts the appeals processing; and if he will make a statement. [14606]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe Independent Tribunal Service does not routinely maintain statistics relating to categories of appeals such as habitual residence test appeals. Information regarding the total cost of processing habitual residence test appeals could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Information regarding the average cost incurred in exhausting the appeals process is not available.
380W
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to change the habitual residence test in respect of British residents returning to the United Kingdom after(a) short-term and (b) long-term employment or unemployment within the European Union. [17936]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe Government is evaluating the operation of the habitual residence test as part of its wide-ranging review of the major components of the social security system. The impact of the test upon UK nationals returning to this country forms part of this work.