§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidance has been issued to agents of his Department when assessing benefit claims for(a) myalgic encephalomyelitis and (b) fibromyalgia sufferers. [15748]
§ Mr. BurtThis is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 21 February 1996:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what guidance has been issued to agents of his Department when assessing benefit claims for (a) Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and (b) fibromyalgia sufferers.The Benefits Agency (BA) employs doctors through the BA Medical Services, who are trained in all physical, sensory and mental conditions including ME and fibromyalgia. Entitlement to benefit is decided by independent adjudication officers, who can seek the opinion of these doctors.Various publications containing procedural guidance on the processing of claims are available to BA staff. These include Background Information on Incapacity for Work and the Disability Handbook which provide information on specific disabilities including ME and fibromyalgia, additionally they advise staff when to seek guidance from BAMS. The Disability Handbook is currently being redrafted following discussions with the ME Association. The Short Term Benefits Guide also provides procedural guidance regarding ME and fibromyalgia for BA staff.I hope you find this reply helpful.
£ million Year 1978–79 1985–86 1989–90 1994–95 Long-term sick and disabled1 1,770 5,220 8,420 19,600 Long-term sick and disabled2 5,162 8,095 10,544 19,600 1 Figures are in cash prices. 2 Figures are in real-terms (1994–95 prices). An explanation of increases in expenditure is not available in the format requested. The increases are due to increasing caseloads and average amounts. Individuals may also be entitled to receive more than one benefit from within this group.
In 1992 disability living allowance and disability working allowance were introduced, which added£3,129 million to expenditure in 1994–95. The increase in the real value of benefits from 1978–79 to 1994–95 accounts for a further£3,392 million.
Number of cases where fraud established Benefit savings Prosecutions Overpayments 1994–95 2,345 £4,324,451 149 £58,309 1995–31 January 1996 1,518 £4,402,524 104 £124,201