§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the cost of administration of the habitual residence test and of the appeal system; and what proportion of the money saved by non-payment is spent on administration. [33799]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe cost of administering the habitual residence test for 1995–96 is estimated at £3.3 million. The allocation to the Independent Tribunal Service for administering the appeal system as a whole in 1995–96 is £48.6 million. It is not possible to apportion the costs of appeals against the habitual residence test. The estimated saving from introducing the habitual residence test is £30 million annually.
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§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants have been refused benefit, per month, since the introduction of the habitual residence test; of these, how many have appealed; and how many appeals have been upheld. [33803]
§ Mr. Roger EvansI refer the hon. Member to the replies that I gave to the hon. Member for Newham, North-East (Mr. Timms) on 18 April,Official Report, column 43, on 21 April, Official Report, column 314, on 1 May, Official Report, column 7 and on 10 July, Official Report, columns 449–50.
Numbers of claimants who have been refused housing benefit and council tax benefit because of the habitual residence test are being recorded from the 1995–96 tax year and will be available in December 1996.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received concerning the future of the habitual residence test; and what plans he has to make changes in its operation. [33805]
§ Mr. Roger EvansI have received a number of letters from Members of Parliament and the public. I have no current plans to change the test.