§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about the delay in processing the benefits claim of the claimant about which the hon. Member for Woolwich wrote Ito the Minister of State on 18 September, national insurance number YP205065D.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of benefits is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief-executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Mr. Michael Bichard to Mr. John Austin-Walker, dated 12 November 1992.
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the delay in processing the claim for your constituent, National Insurance Number YP 205065 D.
I should explain that we asked your constituent's representative for a signed request for review for the Community Care Grant to which you refer, and are unable to arrange a review until this is received. I am sorry that your constituent's Income Support claim was not handled as efficiently as it should have been, and offer my sincere apologies for this. I replied on 10 November to your letter of 18 September to the Minister of State for Social Security and Disabled People and this explains the position in greater detail.
I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy of this reply will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.