§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the 11 th annual report of the chief adjudication officer, and if he will make a statement. [39870]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe report is published today. The chief adjudication officer's findings record further improvement in the standards of adjudication on benefits. Overall, more than three quarters of all decisions were correct in every respect. I am particularly pleased to see the substantial improvement in income support and the disability benefits.
The chief adjudication officer will continue to work on a day-to-day basis with the Benefits Agency and the Employment Service providing additional guidance and expert technical assistance in those areas where further improvements are needed.
The agencies are committed to improving standards of adjudication, as illustrated by the continuing emphasis on quality in their annual business plans. Both the chief adjudication officer and I look forward to continuing progress in coming years.