§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the current arrangements are for assessing and paying travelling expenses of those attending Benefits Agency medicals; and what the previous arrangements were. [61190]
§ Angela EagleThe administration of the Benefits Agency is a matter for its Chief Executive, Peter Mathison. He will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Ms Joan Walley, dated 1 December 1998:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking about the current arrangements for assessing and paying travelling expenses of those attending Benefits Agency Medicals, and what were the previous arrangements.
The current arrangements are that a customer will be given the opportunity to complete a claim from for reimbursement of reasonable travelling expenses, incurred during their visit to the designated Medical Examination Centre, at the time of their medical examination. The claim form covers travelling costs incurred using agreed transport methods as well as car parking, subsistence and financial loss allowance where appropriate. Travel by private transport is paid at a standard rate per mile, whilst parking, bus, train and authorised taxis are also paid on production of a ticket or receipt.
Since the provision of Medical Services was contracted out to Sema Group on I September 1998, Sema Group Finance is now responsible for the central payment of claims whereas previously all customer's expenses were paid locally by Disability Benefit Centre's finance sections. They have also increased the number of ways a payment can be made. Previously there were two methods of payment, direct to a bank account and by girocheque. Since 1 September, in addition to the above methods, payment can be made by ordinary cheque, and a limited number of outlying Scottish examination centres have the facility to issue cash payments.
I hope you find this reply helpful.