§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the Benefits Agency has now completed its exercise to identify those women in receipt of invalidity benefit whose benefit was reduced at age 60 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of invalidity benefit is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Dr. Norman A. Godman, dated 21 April 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking if the Benefits Agency has now completed its exercise to identify those women in receipt of Invalidity Benefit whose benefit was reduced at age 60 years.On 1 April 1992 the Social Security Commissioner decided that Invalidity Benefit rules linked to pension age breach the EC Equal Treatment Directive; that women aged 60–64 should receive standard rate invalidity Benefit instead of the Retirement Pension rate; and that women should receive Invalidity Allowance if incapacity begins between 55 and 59 years of age.The Chief Adjudication Officer and Secretary of State (jointly) have appealed against this decision to the Court of Appeal. Meanwhile payment of any additional benefit resulting from the Commissioner's decision is being suspended by the Secretary of State until this appeal has been resolved.Instructions have been issued to District Offices to identify the women affected by the Commissioner's decision. This will enable the Agency to act promptly once the decision of the Court of Appeal is known. The Agency's initial estimate of the numbers of cases involved is a maximum of 82,500. The exercise to identify the cases and establish a more accurate figure is continuing but should be concluded shortly.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.