§ Mr. ChisholmTo ask the Secretary of state for Social Security what is the number of recipients of(a) income support, (b) invalidity benefit and (c) retirement pension in the area covering Edinburgh postcodes EH4 and EH5.
§ Mr. BurtThe 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.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Malcolm Chisholm, dated 27 April 1994:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary Question asking for details of the number of recipients of Income Support, Invalidity Benefit and Retirement Pension in the area covering Edinburgh Postcodes EH4 and EH5.Figures are not available which relate soley to the specific post codes requested. However, the Edinburgh postcodes EH4 and EH5 come within the area of the Benefits Agency's Lothian Central District, which comprises the Edinburgh City and Edinburgh North offices and also covers postcodes EH1-EH3, EH6-EH8 and EH10. The Lothian Central District live loads for the benefits referred to are:
Income Support 22,687 at 28 February 1994* Invalidity Benefit 5,551 at 31 March 1994** Retirement Pension 30,958 at 28 February 1994* * Obtained from a routine quarterly count of computer records ** Obtained from a routine clerical count of live records. This figure will include a small number of customers who, although entitled to Invalidity Benefit, are not receiving it because of entitlement to an overlapping benefit payable at a higher weekly rate. I hope you find this reply helpful.