HC Deb 27 October 1997 vol 299 cc733-5W
Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claims for benefit made in the last year were eventually backdated(a) up to one month, (b) at least one month but less than three months, (c) at least three months but less than 12 months and

Mr. Keith Bradley

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table:

(d) at least 12 months for each of the major social security benefits. [12818]

Mr. Keith Bradley

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

Number of claimants affected as a result of changes to the backdating rules from April 1997 and June/October 1998
Full-year estimates
Claims
Over 1 month, up to 3 months Over 3 months
Retirement pension Negligible 40,000
Incapacity benefit 5,000 10,000
Invalid care allowance 20,000 30,000
Industrial injuries disablement benefit 2,500 2,500
Contributory jobseeker's allowance 1 Negligible
Income support/income based jobseeker's allowance 105,000 30,000
Child benefit/one parent benefit 2 65,000
Housing benefit (HB)/council HB 5,000/ HB 45,000/
tax benefit (CTB) CTB 15,000 CTB 100,000
Other benefits Negligible Negligible
Total 155,000 325,000
1 Information not available.
2 Information not readily available.

Information is based on a small ad-hoc survey of benefit claims undertaken during early 1996.

Figures may not sum due to rounding.

Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment she has made of the main reasons why individuals claim benefits late; and if she will make a statement. [12819]

Mr. Bradley

An ad hoc survey of a small number of Benefits Agency local offices was undertaken in early 1996 to provide information on the extent of backdating and, in those benefits where it was possible to identify, the reason for backdating.

This information was used in deciding on the range of exceptions provided in the current regulations.

Dr. Gibson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the time-table for the implementation of limits on the backdating of benefits to one month. [12953]

Mr. Bradley

We intend to implement the new backdating rules in June 1998 for all benefits except housing benefit and council tax benefit which will be implemented in October 1998.