HC Deb 10 July 1997 vol 297 cc590-1W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if it is her Department's policy under the Benefit Integrity Project to(a) withdraw benefits from disabled people who do not return the postal questionnaire within the specified time and (b) allow extra time for completing the questionnaire following a telephone call to a disability benefit centre. [6784]

Mr. Denham

One of our key aims is to rebuild integrity in, and public support for, the Social Security system and the way in which public money is spent. We need to focus on those who are properly entitled to benefit.

This is why we have set up the Benefit Integrity Project. We regard it as essential that disabled people are treated fairly and with respect, and in an unthreatening way. The administration of this programme is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with further details.

Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 9 July 1997: The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking about the Benefit Integrity Project. The Benefit Integrity Project was set up in response to the recent Benefit Review of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Over the next two years, specially trained staff will make enquiries by postal questionnaire or home visit in around 425,000 cases to establish whether DLA is being paid correctly. Disability Living Allowance will only be withheld from customers who, without good reason, persistently fail or refuse to complete and return the postal questionnaire issued by the Benefit Integrity Project. A reminder and a warning letter, both allowing extra time to comply or respond and offering help and advice, will be issued before benefit is withheld. All staff, including those involved with the project, receive customer service training. If a customer makes a reasonable request, either by letter or telephone call, for extra time to complete the questionnaire, it will be allowed. I hope you find this reply useful.