HC Deb 27 January 1998 vol 305 cc164-5W
Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people in receipt of disability living allowance have, in the last year for which figures are available, been re-assessed under the provisions of the Disability Integrity Project; and what percentage this represents of the total number to be re-assessed; [23650]

(2) how many Benefits Agency staff have received additional training for the re-assessment of those in receipt of disability living allowance; and how many of these staff have medical qualifications. [23651]

Mr. Denham

One of our key aims is to rebuild integrity in, and public support for, the Social Security system and the way in which public money is spent. Benefits should go to those who are properly entitled to benefit. This is why we have continued with the Benefits Integrity Project.

The administration of this programme is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with further details.

Letter from Peter Mathison to Mrs. Margaret Ewing, dated 26 January 1998: The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions regarding the Benefit Integrity Project (BIP). The number of people in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) that have been re-assessed as part of the BIP is 33,490. This figure covers the period from 6 May 1997, when the first questionnaires were sent out, to 30 November 1997. It represents 8.12% of the total number due to be looked at as part of this project and refers to cases where the process has been completed. The training of Benefits Agency Staff for the BIP consists of two strands, procedural and visiting. All staff, approx 240, engaged with the operational processing of BIP cases received procedural training. Those staff undertaking visiting officer duties, approx 130, attended a specially designed training course covering all aspect of visiting techniques, including a session prepared and delivered by members of the Disablement Income Group. Training courses are ongoing for replacement staff. The determination of awards of DLA is undertaken by an independent Adjudication Officer (AO) who will consider the effects of a disability on a person's every day life rather than the nature of the disability itself. Whilst all AOs receive extensive training on the effects of illness, there is no requirement for officers to have any formal medical qualifications. I hope you find this reply helpful.