§ Mrs. Jane KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what analysis the Benefits Agency makes of claims for disability living allowance which are referred to disability appeals tribunals; and if he will provide a numerical breakdown of these cases.
§ 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.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Mrs. Jane Kennedy, dated 3 May 1994:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question, asking for an analysis of disability living allowance claims which are referred to disability appeal tribunals.I have provided, in the attached appendix, a table of the analysis made by the Benefits Agency within this area. The table covers the period February 1992 to the end of March 1994.I hope you find this reply helpful.504W
Appendix: DLA claims referred to disability appeal tribunals between 1 February 1992 and 31 March 1994 Number Number referred 34,679 Number decided: Award increased 2,082 Award maintained 7,075 Award varied1 84 Award reduced 8 Allowed 7,320 Disallowed 1,292 Superseded increased2 874 Withdrawn 794 Lapsed 4 Defective 14 Total 19,547 1 The length of award changes, or monetary value remains the same but the components change.
2 The appeal was lodged but current decision was revised in the appellants favour without reference to the appeals tribunal.