§ Ms CorstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the factors which account for the variation in the numbers of home visits carried out by the disability benefits centres.
§ Mr. ScottThe 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 Michael Bichard to Ms Jean Corston, dated 20 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 factors which account for the variation in the numbers of home visits carried out by the disability benefit centres.
The principal reasons for visiting customers, or their representatives, in connection with Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA) claims, are when there is a need for appointee action to be undertaken and/or the standard of completion of the claim form is poor.
Visits that are required to be undertaken for DLA/AA related matters should be done by District Offices (DOs). The ability of the DOs to undertake visits that would otherwise need to be done by the Disability Benefit Centres (DBCs) is the most significant factor in determining how many visits DBCs eventually have to conduct.
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.