Disability Living Allowance (Hansard, 30 October 1992)

§ Mr. Scott

The 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 Mr. Michael Bichard to Mr. Neil Gerrard, dated 29 October 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 compensation measures for individuals claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA) who have incurred costs trying to trace the progress of their claim. All claims to DLA are acknowledged at the outset and a further letter is sent explaining that there are delays if the claim remains uncleared after six weeks. My letter of 19 October to all MPs set out the action we are taking to resolve the time it takes to clear the backlog of cases. The action taken has been comprehensive and the effect has been to reduce substantially the claims outstanding. You asked whether we will introduce compensation measures. The present rules are that compensation can only be considered where, exceptionally, a claim for benefit takes longer than 12 months to process; or in the case of an existing award, there is an interruption in payment of 3 months or more. We would not normally pay costs incurred as a result of enquiries regarding the progress of claims. I recognise that delays are unacceptable at any stage, but you will appreciate that given the length of time which must elapse before compensation can be paid, few cases will in fact be eligible. 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.