§ Mr. SwinneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if all decisions under the Benefit Integrity Project involving a reduction or lowering of benefit before 9 February will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement. [40485]
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§ Mr. DenhamOn 9 February 1998,Official Report, column 76, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security introduced changes to the Benefit Integrity Project to ensure that no decision to reduce benefit would be taken without seeking additional evidence. We are concerned about those cases where a decision was taken without the benefit of the new procedure that was introduced on 9 February, and on which the claimant has not already sought a review of the decision.
We are considering options for reviewing those cases but there are some legal and operational issues that we need to resolve as speedily as possible before deciding exactly how to proceed. I will ensure that the House is properly and fully informed of progress.