§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many disability living allowance applications were refused at(a) initial application, (b) reconsideration and (c) aural tribunal in each year since 1997. [95626]
§ Maria Eagle[holding answer 4 February 2003]: The available information is set out in the tables below. We are currently unable to supply statistically reliable information on those rejected at appeal. Number of claims for Disability Living Allowance which were unsuccessful in Great Britain in each year since 1997.
Number of new claims received (a) Number of new claims rejected on first application (b) Number of new and existing claims rejected at reconsideration 1996–97 517,590 276,125 2,450 1997–98 461,360 255,710 2,465 1998–99 398,275 208,195 2,605 1999–2000 392,600 190,390 2,365 2000–01 410,270 206,145 1,600 2001–02 407,810 192,315 970
Table 1. NHS Low Income Scheme: estimated applications received and certificates issued in respect of England Thousand 1. Application for help with health costs 2. Total HC2 certificates issued 3. HC2 certificates issued to recipients of incapacity or invalidity benefit 4. Total HC3 certificates issued 5. HC3 certificates issued to recipients of incapacity or invalidity benefit 2001–02 721 407 89 250 47 2000–01 811 487 101 255 51 1999–2000 879 532 98 295 63 1998–99 881 528 85 309 55 1997–98 931 569 98 323 63 1996–97 982 552 — 383 — 1995–96 1,110 632 — 431 — 1994–95 1,067 569 — 375 — 1993–94 1,038 544 — 421 — 1992–93 987 502 — 421 — Notes:
Columns 1, 2 and 4—Data taken from actual claims in respect of GB and estimated for England.
Columns 3 and 5—Data estimated from samples of claims, and refers to claims where either the claimant or their partner (or both) were benefit recipients. Information is not available for years before1997–98.
Columns 2, 3, 4 and 5—Information is only available about the number of certificates issued. These can be used by the claimant and their partner (if they have one), so more than one person may be named on each certificate.
Columns 1, 2 and 3 do not sum as claimants may be otherwise entitled, have capital in excess of the limit or not pursue the claim.
Table 2. Estimated out-turn for HC2 certificates in England £ million Cash Real terms 2001–02 55.8 55.8 2000–01 56.2 57.5 1999–2000 55.5 58.1 1998–99 51.6 55.3 1997–98 51.4 56.6 1996–97 48.5 55.1 Notes:
The above figures are estimates of the total:
1. Prescription charges remitted in respect of items supplied.
2. Dental charges remitted in respect of courses of treatment.
3. Sight test fees paid to ophthalmic opticians.
4. Cost of optical vouchers redeemed.
No estimates are possible for remission of charges for wigs and fabric supports or on costs of travel to hospital, as information is not collected centrally.
752WNotes:
Figures are rounded to the nearest 5.
Figures are for each financial year, April to March.
There is no available breakdown of data for reconsiderations into new and renewal claims.
Source:
IAD Information Centre, data taken from 100 per cent MIS data.