§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to accelerate the community care grant appeals procedure; and if he will make a statement. [40236]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe Secretary of State has laid down guidance and directions for dealing with a request for a review. We are not aware of any major problems with the current review process.
From 1 April 1996 to 31 July 1996 inclusive the average clearance time for a community care grant review was 13.8 days.
One benefit office in the hon. Member's constituency did have a backlog of reviews outstanding at the end of July. It has since taken action to reduce the arrears in this area of work. Its clearance time for reviews should be showing an improvement and constituents should now be receiving an improved service.