§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in Scotland were(a) in receipt of and (b) refused incapacity benefit at (i) the short-term lower rate, (ii) the short-term higher rate and (iii) the long-term rate in 1995–96. [29212]
§ Mr. BurtThe administration of incapacity benefit is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
283WLetter from Peter Mathison to Dr. Norman A. Godman, dated 21 May 1996:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people in Scotland were (a) in receipt of and (b) refused incapacity benefit at (i) the short-term lower rate, (ii) the short term higher rate and (iii) the long-term rate in 1995–96.The information is not available in the format requested, such information that is available is shown in the attached tables.I hope you find this reply helpful.
1995–96 Short term lower rate Short term higher rate Long term rate April 31,100 1,700 240,400 May 29,500 4,300 243,500 June 28,700 6,200 236,500 July 30,800 8,000 233,300 August 31,400 9,300 233,300 September 31,000 11,000 232,300 October 32,000 12,400 231,000 November 26,600 13,100 227,700 December 26,400 13,300 225,800 January 27,800 14,300 222,200 February 28,700 14,800 221,000 March 28,900 15,600 220,600 Data are provisional and subject to amendment.
Figures are not cumulative but a snapshot at the end of the month.
Figures are shown to nearest 100 cases.
Number of customers in Scotland disallowed incapacity benefit 1995–96 1995–96 Short term lower rate Short term higher rate Long term rate April — 2 — May — 13 — June — 452 — July 60 190 492 August 104 216 529 September 118 267 381 October 153 452 518 November 160 436 726 December 134 255 530 January 164 375 1,010 February 157 333 1,154 March 147 324 1,255 Notes:
1. Data are provisional and subject to amendment.
2. Includes cases disallowed for own occupation test, failure to return questionnaire, failure to attend examination without good cause and found capable of all work.
3. Excludes cases disallowed on initial application for Incapacity Benefit as the contribution condition is not satisfied.
4. Figures for April to June 1995 were not broken down and are only available as a total of all three rates.
Source:
100 per cent. count of cases on the Incapacity Benefit system.
Excludes a small number of clerically processed cases.