HC Deb 20 June 1997 vol 296 c323W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much was recovered by the Compensation Recovery Unit from personal injury damages in each year since 1989; and how much he estimates will be recovered in the current year. [2557]

Mr. Bradley

Reform of the Compensation Recovery scheme will take place in October 1997. It will make the compensator liable for the repayment of benefits paid as a consequence of accident, injury or disease. Reform will also mean that compensation for pain and suffering will be paid to the victim in full. The administration of the Compensation Recovery Unit 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. Andrew Dismore, dated 19 June 1997: The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how much was recovered by the Compensation Recovery Unit from personal injury damages in each year since 1989 and how much is estimated to be recovered this financial year. As the Compensation Recovery scheme applies to compensation payments made on or after 3 September 1990, there were no monies recovered during the 1989–90 financial year. Details of the amounts recovered in each financial year since 1990 are given in the table below:

Financial year Amount recovered £ million
1990–91 3.7
1991–92 25.3
1992–93 51.3
1993–94 81.9
1994–95 110.1
1995–96 135.1
1996–97 145.5

Figures are provisional and subject to change. It is estimated that £179.9 million will be recovered during the current financial year. I hope you find this reply helpful.