HC Deb 18 January 1982 vol 16 c44W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of those in receipt of attendance allowance are paid by the week on a current basis; and what proportion are paid four weekly in arrears.

Mr. Rossi

I regret that this information is not available. For the majority attendance allowance is paid with another benefit such as retirement pension, and statistics of frequency of payment in these cases are not kept.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications for attendance allowance are currently awaiting determination; and how this compares with the figures 12 months ago and two years ago.

Mr. Rossi

The numbers of claims awaiting determination in the last week of November in each year are as follows:

Number
1979 31,000
1980 31,000
1981 42,000

The 1981 figure is higher than that for earlier years because there has been a substantial increase in the number of claims received.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average delay in paying attendance allowance to those who claim on a boarder basis, four weeks in arrears; whether this delay has increased over the last 12 months; and by how much.

Mr. Rossi

About six working days, which is one day more than 12 months ago.