§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the average processing time for mobility allowance claims in each region;
(2) what was the backlog for mobility allowance claims in each region as at 31 March 1993 and 31 October 1992.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of mobility 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 Michael Bichard to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 29 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 the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking (i) what is the average processing time for mobility allowance claims in each region as at 31 March 1993 and 31 October 1992.
Firstly, I should explain that on 6 April 1992 Disability Living Allowance (DLA) consisting of a mobility component and care component, replaced and extended Attendance Allowance for the under 65s and Mobility Allowance (MobA).
Prior to 6 April 1992 Mobility Allowance claims were processed centrally at the North Fylde Central Office. The average clearance time for MobA claims in March 1992 was 28–8 days. Performance on DLA is measured in terms of x °A, of cases cleared in y days and it is therefore not possible to state an average Processing time for claims on the new benefit. However, the majority of DLA new claims have been cleared within the primary target of 60 % in 30 days. The new claims performance for March 1993 was 71 % of cases cleared within 30 days.
The information on the number of MobA claims that remain uncleared for each region at 31 October 1992 and 31 March 1993 is not available for the reasons stated above. However, in the region of 1900 claims made to MobA are being rechecked to confirm that all necessary action has been taken. These will be acted upon as soon as possible and any which require payment will be considered for compensation under the appropriate scheme.
I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Offical Report. A copy will also be placed in the Library.