§ Mr. MudieTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much of the £182.7 million underpaid to 555W claimants by the Benefits Agency in 1994–95 was subsequently paid. [22577]
§ 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 Mr. George Mudie, dated 25 March 1996:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how much of the £182.7 million underpaid to claimants by the Benefits Agency in 1994–95 was subsequently paid.The information requested is not available as statistics on the amount of benefit paid retrospectively are not maintained. The National Audit Office's report of 1994–95 reported that £182.7 million of Income Support (IS) was underpaid. This includes non-cash underpayments concerning the apportionment of IS and other benefits.When an underpayment of benefit is identified in a particular case, payment of arrears will normally be made.I hope you find this reply helpful.