§ Mr. Duncan SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals made against decisions following an all-work-test were heard in each of the last four quarters for which figures are available; and what proportion of these were decided in the appellant's favour where the appellant(a) attended the hearing but was not represented, (b) was represented but did not attend, (c) attended and was represented and (d) did not attend and was not represented. [39693]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe information requested is set out in the table.
729W
§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the average length of time taken for an appeal made against a decision to remove incapacity benefit following an all work test to be processed; [39712]
(2) how many incapacity benefit appeals are awaiting hearing. [39711]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyIn the quarter ending 30 September 1997, the average length of time taken to process an Incapacity Benefit appeal was 29 weeks. The time taken to hear an Incapacity Benefit appeal following an All Work Test is the same whether the appeal concerns a decision to remove Incapacity Benefit or an initial refusal to award it.
Incapacity Benefit Appeals awaiting hearing Quarter ending 30 September 1997 Incapacity Benefit (All Work Test) 27,645 Incapacity Benefit (Not All Work Test) 5,107 Total 32,752 Source:
The quarterly Social Security Appeal Tribunal statistics published by DSS Analytical Services Division.