HC Deb 27 January 1983 vol 35 c509W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will update the answer on appeals to the social security commissioners given to the hon. Member for Wood Green (Mr. Race) on 18 January, Official Report, c. 48.

Mr. Rossi

[pursuant to his reply, 10 December 1982, Vol. 33, c. 640]: The information requested on supplementary benefit matters is as follows. All figures relate to the period 1 January 1982 to 31 December 1982:

  1. (a) There have been 1,413 applications for leave to appeal (1,353 by claimants or their representatives and 60 by benefit officers).
  2. (b) 582 applications for leave to appeal have been granted (533 by claimants and 49 by benefit officers).
  3. (c) 376 appeals have been made subsequently (332 by claimants and 44 by benefit officers).
  4. (d) 107 appeals have been heard (61 by claimants and 46 by benefit officers).
  5. (e)
    1. (i) 106 cases are outstanding before the Commissioners awaiting leave to appeal (99 by claimants, 7 by benefit officers).
    2. (ii) 283 cases are awaiting an appeal decision (256 by claimants and 27 by benefit officers).

The time taken to determine the appeal varies in each individual case, according to a number of factors, some outside the commissioner's control. No precise figures on delays are therefore available.