§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations have been received by his Department from organisations working with terminally ill people on problems with the special rules procedures and the particular difficulties caused to people with terminal illness on account of the delays with the processing of disability living allowance claims; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottWe receive a large volume of correspondence on disability benefits, some of which comes from organisations involved in the care of terminally ill people and refers to the special rules arrangements. Much of the correspondence applauds the rules, some contains suggestions on further improvements we might make to the procedures. We welcome these representations, which we actively consider.
We have also received representations about delays in dealing with claims in respect of people with a limited life expectancy. Unfortunately, because of the massive influx of claims more generally on disability living allowance and attendance allowance, some delays have occurred in dealing with claims made under the special rules. The Benefits Agency is taking firm action to clear the backlogs and in doing so treat claims for people who are terminally ill as a top priority.