§ Mr. GroganTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to review the workings of the compensation recovery unit. [6874]
§ Mr. DenhamWe plan to bring the provisions of the Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) Act 1997 into force on 6 October. The Act will reform the compensation recovery scheme following a report of the Social Security Select Committee. The Act will ensure that compensation in respect of pain and suffering cannot be reduced on account of recovery of social security benefits. It will also protect public funds by ensuring that all recoverable benefits paid as a consequence of accident, injury or disease are repaid by the compensator.
We will monitor the effects of the reformed scheme and consider whether any further changes are appropriate. In doing so we will have regard to the rights and responsibilities of all parties affected by the benefit recovery process.