§ Mr. PlaskittTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many individuals have had their benefit entitlements reviewed under the Benefit Integrity Project; and how many, as a result, have had their benefit(a) reduced and (b) stopped. [23521]
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§ Mr. DenhamOne of our key aims is to re-build 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 for this programme is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend with further details.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. James Plaskitt, dated 27 January 1998:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question regarding how many individuals have had their benefit entitlements reviewed under the Benefit Integrity Project (BIP); and how many, as a result, have had their benefit (a) reduced and (b) stopped.At 30 November, a total of 33,490 cases had been examined of which 6,953 have been changed. Of these changes, 2,232 have been disallowed, 3,880 reduced and 841 increased. Figures for the period to 31 December and subsequent months will be placed in the House of Commons library.I hope you find this reply helpful.