§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in how many cases during the past three years over 12 months has elapsed between making an appeal against a decision concerning disability living allowance, and the outcome of the appeal being decided. [49105]
§ Mr. DenhamThe vast majority of appeals on Disability Living Allowance are heard by Disability Appeal Tribunals. The information requested is not held for these appeals.
However, the Social Security Act 1998, which received Royal Assent on 21 May, paves the way for modernising the delivery of Social Security, including the handling of appeals. A wide range of measures will streamline the administration of appeals and ensure appeals are dealt with more speedily. In particular, the Act enables my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to assume responsibility for the administration of the appeals system. She will set and publish demanding targets for the administration of appeals and report on the results.