§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will review the practice whereby Benefits Agency adjudication officers cannot approve new mortgages for disabled persons until mortgage funds are advanced in circumstances where building societies are refusing to advance mortgages without confirmation of income support funds. [14621]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyModernising the social security system is a key priority of the Government. The administration of Income Support is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.532W
Period Number of incapacity benefit appeals against disallowance received Number of appeals heard Percentage of appeals heard and decided in the claimant's favour April 1996 to March 1997 100,703 59,567 44 per cent. Source:
Benefits Agency and Independent Tribunal Service.