§ Sir Brian MawhinneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many claims under the special payments category of the Jobseeker's Allowance were made in 1999; and how many of these were refused on the grounds of inadequate contribution payments. [108450]
§ Ms JowellResponsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Leigh Lewis to Dr. Brian Mawhinney, dated 17 April 2000:
As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning special payments relating to Jobseeker's Allowance in 1999. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.The Employment Service has arrangements to consider claims for compensation from jobseekers who claim to have suffered a financial loss or severe worry and distress, gross inconvenience or embarrassment as a result of errors by our staff, under the terms of a Department of Social Security compensation scheme.In the period 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999, we received 391 claims for special payments as a result of alleged error in connection with Employment Service administration of Jobseeker's Allowance. Of these claims for compensation, 16 were in connection with advice concerning the National Insurance Contribution conditions for Jobseeker's Allowance, of which two were refused.I should add that the Benefits Agency also make special payments as a result of alleged errors with their administration of Jobseeker's Allowance. Therefore, I have asked for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency to reply to you direct on the number of special payments they have made in relation to Jobseeker's Allowance.I hope this is helpful.