§ Ms AbbottTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps she has taken to ensure that all staff at Arcola Street and Sylvester Road Department of Social Security are aware of(a) the current situation in Montserrat and (b) her Department's regulations in relation to evacuees from Montserrat, and that evacuees from Montserrat are not experiencing undue delay in the processing of their claims; and if she will make a statement.[15759]
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§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe operational responsibility of dealing with benefit claims from evacuees is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Ms Diane Abbott, dated 19 November 1997
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning staff awareness, at Arcola Street and Sylvester Road, of the regulations in relation to evacuees from Montserrat.All Benefits Agency (BA) staff, including those at the BA Hackney&Islington District (which includes the offices at Arcola Street and Sylvester Road) have been and continue to be fully informed of the situation in Montserrat. A series of the procedural benefit bulletins have been issued since May 1996 and copies placed in the Library. The bulletins clarify the situation in Montserrat and explain the procedures and legislation to be followed should claims to benefit be received from Montserratians. The Hackney&Islington District staff training sessions are held on a fortnightly basis and all procedural bulletins are discussed and copied to relevant staff.The District have confirmed that whilst there are no specific statistics relating to clearance times for claims from Montserratians, there is nothing to suggest that there is any undue delay in dealing with these claims. If any of your constituents have experienced problems or delays with their claims, they should contact their local benefits manager who will address their concerns.I hope you find this reply is helpful.