HC Deb 08 July 1993 vol 228 c211W
Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the administration costs of the severe hardship payments.

Mr. Burt

The administration of income support 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. Alan Simpson, dated 7 July 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 what are the administration costs of the severe hardship payments.

For the financial year 1992–93 the administration costs of the Severe Hardship Claims Unit in Glasgow were £676,714.

Associated administration costs arise within the Benefits Agency District Offices. Those costs cannot be separately identified for the year 1992–93. However they are estimated at £1.5 million.

I hope that you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.