§ Mr. DewarTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of women who will be entitled(a) to enhanced invalidity benefit payments and (b) back payment of benefits if his 42W Department's appeal against the commissioner's decision in the case of Mrs. Rose Graham fails; and what estimate he has made of the additional costs to be met by his Department in that event. [17345]
§ Mr. HagueIncreased awards of invalidity benefit are being made by adjudication officers with effect from 1 April 1992, the date of the commissioner's decision. Increases are being suspended pending the outcome of the appeal by the Secretary of State and the chief adjudication officer, except in cases of hardship. Any benefit which has been suspended will be paid in full if the commissioner's decision is upheld. Information about the number of women affected and the estimated costs is in the tables.
Suspensions of increased Invalidity Benefit awarded as a result of commissioner's decision CS 27/91 Cases in which suspension applied Hardship applications Cases in which suspension lifted on hardship grounds 41,560 1,604 994 Note:
1. Figures relate to 31 March 1994, the latest date for which information is available centrally.
Source: Manual count in Benefits Agency offices.
Estimated net costs if the commissioner's decision CS 27/91 is upheld 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 £210 million £85 million £95 million Notes:
1. Estimates are net offsetting reductions in income-related benefit expenditure.
2. Estimates for 1995–96 include arrears to 1 April 1992, the date of the commissioners decision.
3. Estimates assume the commissioners decision is upheld on the same terms. Actual costs will depend on the precise terms of the final ruling.
4. Estimates are provisional, and subject to revision.