§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the estimated savings in his Department in(a) 1997–98 and (b) future years as a result of the changes to reduced earnings allowance. [8705]
§ Mr. Roger EvansSavings in 1997–98 and 1998–99 have been estimated at £35 million per year.
§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give a breakdown by location of those affected by amendments to regulations relating to the reduced earnings allowance. [8725]
§ Mr. EvansThe available information is set out in the table:
Reduced earnings allowance cases by area directorate Area directorate Number of cases AD1—East London And Anglia 882 AD2—Chilterns 409 AD3—London South 1,984 AD4—West Country 890 AD5—Mercia 2,735 AD6—West Midlands 797 AD7—Wales 2,127 AD8—North West Coast 1,790 AD9—Greater Manchester 1,692 AD10—Yorkshire 2,046 AD11—Tyne Tees 4,470 AD12—West of Scotland 521 AD13—East of Scotland 1,209 Benefit Centres 76 Total 21,628 Source:
Benefits Agency100 per cent. count as at 31 October 1996 and subject to amendment.
Note:
Information relates to the amendment regulation that were introduced on 24 March 1996.
§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations he has received about changes in the reduced earnings allowance. [8721]
§ Mr. EvansAs at 9 December, we had over the preceding six weeks received 12 representations from hon. Members and 14 from members of the public.
§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals there have been to social security appeals tribunals against reductions in the reduced earnings allowance; what were the results of these appeals;534W how many appeals are to be considered by the Social Security Commissioners; by what date the appeals will be heard; and if he will make a statement. [8726]
§ Mr. EvansThe information regarding appeals to social security tribunals is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Since the amending regulations came into force from 24 March, there have been 24 appeals to Social Security Commissioners, 20 are from claimants and four from adjudication officers. It is not possible to say at this stage when the appeals will be heard.