HC Deb 24 May 1999 vol 332 cc45-6W
5. Mr. Miller

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what training will be provided for those people reviewing disability living allowance awards under the new periodic review process. [83995]

Mr. Bayley

We are committed to ensuring that the new periodic inquiry process is delivered sensitively and fairly. In consultation with disability organisations, we have developed a comprehensive training package for all staff involved in the new process. The training covers impairment awareness and the particular needs of individual groups and is being delivered with the assistance of Pauline Thompson of the Disablement Income Group.

22. Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations she has received on disability living allowance. [84012]

Mr. Bayley

We routinely receive, and welcome, representations about benefits for disabled people, including disability living allowance.

Mr. Corbett

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the backlog at the Disability Living Allowance Unit concerning cases where the Disability Appeal Tribunal has upheld an appeal against(a) refusal of disability living allowance, (b) the rate of mobility component and (c) the rate of care component; what the figures were (i) six and (ii) 12 months ago; and what steps are being taken to deliver a more efficient service to claimants; [84880]

(2) when he expects to pay Mr. Edward Turner (Ref. ZM897757D) the disability living allowance with lower rate mobility component and middle rate care component he was awarded by the Disability Appeal Tribunal on 26 February; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for the delay in payment. [84879]

Mr. Bayley

The administration of Disability Living Allowance is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend.

Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Robin Corbett, dated 20 May 1999:

The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Peter Mathison to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking about the backlog of cases at the Disability Living Allowance Unit requiring action following an appeal, what steps are being taken to deliver a more efficient service, and when Mr. Edward Turner is expected to receive payment following the decision of the appeal tribunal hearing of 26th February 1999. As Mr. Mathison is away on leave, I am replying.At 30th November 1998 there were 706 Disability Appeal Tribunal decisions outstanding and 695 at 31st April 1999. These figures encompass all decisions reached, including award decisions, disallowance decisions, and decisions where existing entitlement remains unchanged. It has not been possible to break down the figures into the type of decision made or the specific Disability Living Allowance component. Figures from an earlier date are not available.Under the Government's programme of welfare reform, a range of measures is being introduced to improve all aspects of claiming Disability Living Allowance. These include the Decision Making and Appeals initiative which will introduce new adjudication procedures to enable disputed decisions to be reconsidered without having to go to appeal. It is anticipated that this will result in fewer numbers of appeal cases.I can confirm that instructions were issued on 18th May 1999 for all arrears of benefit, and future monthly payments, to be made to Mr. Turner's bank account.Implementation of a Disability Appeal Tribunal decision may be suspended if there is reason to believe that the decision has been made in error of law and that an appeal to the Commissioner may be appropriate. I regret that implementation of the Appeal Tribunal's decision was suspended incorrectly in this case and I apologise for the delay that has occurred.I hope you find this reply helpful.