§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what sums have been spent on sending out and processing queries about nationality when dealing with routine applications for social security benefits in the last available year; and which benefits are subject to this process. [31309]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe administration of income support 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 Ms Joan Walley, dated 11 June 1996:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what sums have been spent on sending out and processing queries about nationality when dealing with routine applications for Social Security benefits in the last available year; and which benefits are subject to this process.The main income-related benefits (Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit) include conditions relating to the immigration status of claimants. Since 5 February 1996 Regulations exclude a person from entitlement to certain non-contributory Social Security Benefits (Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Disability Working Allowance, Family Credit, Invalid Care Allowance, and Severe Disability Allowance) if his right to reside to remain in Great Britain is subject to any limitation or condition. In establishing immigration status and conditions attaching to a person's right to reside in the UK, it may be appropriate to seek further information regarding a customer's nationality.Queries on nationality are now an integral part in the processing of claims to the benefits listed below. Therefore information on the sums spent on sending out and processing queries on nationality is not available as separate records are not maintained.I hope you find this reply helpful.