§ Mr. TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average length of time taken to decide an application for assistance from the social fund 583W nationally; and what is the average length of time taken at (a) East Nottinghamshire, (b) North Nottinghamshire and (c) West Nottinghamshire Benefits Agency offices.
§ Mr. ScottThe administration of the social fund 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. Paddy Tipping, dated 14 June 1994:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the average
Annex A Social Fund clearance time performance nationally and for the Benefits Agency districts of East, North and West Nottinghamshire for the month of April 1994 (latest available figures) National East Notts North Notts West Notts CCG per cent. in 7 days 82 83 88 70 per cent. in 20 days 98 97 98 98 BL per cent. in 6 days 78 79 85 71 per cent. in 20 days 98 98 99 98 CL per cent in 1 day 97 94 96 94 per cent. in 2 days 98 98 98 97 FP per cent. in 12 days 71 74 73 74 per cent. in 35 days 96 95 91 98 MP per cent. in 5 days 74 83 89 77 per cent. in 20 days 97 97 99 98