§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what targets exist for the Benefits Agency staff involved in adjudication and appeals of social security claims regarding appeal processing; [15220]
(2) to what extent the pay of Benefits Agency staff involved in adjudication and appeals of social security claims is related to targets on appeals processing. [15221]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe administration of Social Security benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 11 February 1997:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking what targets exist for the Benefits Agency (BA) staff involved in adjudication and appeals of social security claims regarding appeal processing; and to what extent the pay of BA staff involved in adjudication and appeals of social security claims are related to targets on appeals processing.The information is not available in the format requested. Responsibility for the overall clearance of appeals is for the Independent Tribunal Service (ITS).National targets set by the BA for appeals processing relate to the period between receipt of an appeal by BA and the despatch of the submission to ITS. Once despatched, further action on the appeal is the responsibility of the ITS. Each individual benefit contributes towards these national targets and have their own targets for clearing claims to the ITS. The targets set for BA are shown in the attached Annex.The pay of all Benefits Agency staff is performance related. The amount each receives depends on the achievement of a set personal key work objectives, and annual appraisal of performance.Staff involved in adjudication and appeals processing would have key work objectives which support the achievement of those targets. The achievement of key work objectives informs the overall performance marking for individual staff which in turn determines annual performance pay awards.I hope that you find this information useful.
The national targets set for the 3 types of appeal administered by BA are as follows:
Type of appeal Primary target Per cent. Secondary target Per cent. Social Security 69 in 28 days 94 in 90 days Medical 60 in 35 days 85 in 60 days Disability 60 in 30 days 90 in 60 days The individual benefit targets are as follows:
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Benefit Primary target Per cent. Secondary target Per cent. Income Support and Contributory Benefits 70 in 28 days 95 in 90 days Job Seekers Allowance 70 in 28 days 95 in 90 days Family Credit 69 in 28 days 94 in 90 days Disability Living Allowance 69 in 28 days 94 in 90 days Attendance Allowance 69 in 28 days 94 in 90 days Disability Working Allowance 69 in 28 days 94 in 90 days Invalid Care Allowance 61 in 28 days 93 in 90 days Child Benefit 50 in 28 days 90 in 90 days
Benefit Primary target Per cent. Secondary target Per cent. Guardians Allowance 93 in 28 days — Pension Services Division 64 in 28 days 94 in 90 days Overseas Benefits Division 51 in 28 days 90 in 90 days
Disability Appeals Primary target Per cent. Secondary target Per cent. Disability Living Allowance 60 in 30 days 90 in 60 days Attendance Allowance 60 in 30 days 90 in 60 days