§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will undertake an inquiry into cases of special rules disability living allowance applications where payment was not made within six months of the application.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of disability living allowance 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 M. Bichard to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 19 November 1992:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational 398W matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking if an inquiry into cases of Special Rules Disability Living Allowance applications where payment was not made within six months of the application would be undertaken.I have introduced several measures in the Benefits Agency to deal with the numbers of outstanding claims under normal and special rules and I detailed these in my letter to all MPs on 19 October.The Agency has recently been considering a revision of procedures for processing of Special Rules cases. A number of recommendations have been made which will ensure that processing times are improved and that claims are dealt with consistently. Revised procedures have been written and will be issued shortly. Extended delays will not normally then occur.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.