§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what the timetable will be for replacing the Benefit Integrity Project as proposed in Cm 4103; [57934]
(2) when the Benefit Integrity Project will cease its operations under his proposals contained in Cm 4103; [57936]
(3) if he will issue instructions that all BIP interviews, scheduled but not yet undertaken, are cancelled from the date of his statement in Cm 4103. [57935]
§ Mr. FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will give the date when he expects the new test to replace the Benefit Integrity Project; [58211]
550W(2) if he will estimate the savings which will result from the new test which will replace the Benefit Integrity Project. [58213]
§ Mr. TimmsIn his statement of 28 October 1998,Official Report, columns 339–42, and the exchanges which followed discussing the next phase of the Government's plans to reform the welfare state, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made it clear that we will introduce a modern, active approach to Disability Living Allowance which puts greater emphasis on getting claims right first time and which allows for regular reviews of claims in payment. He also emphasised that there would be no return to the situation that existed before April 1997, when nothing was being done to check that people were getting the right benefit.
The Benefit Integrity Project will continue until it is replaced by a new system which we will ensure is fair as well as sensitive. The characteristics of the new system and when and how it will be introduced will be the subject of future discussions with the Disability Benefits Forum. Once the way forward is determined estimates will be made of the likely costs and savings that may arise from the new system. We are keen to introduce this change as soon as possible but it is most important that we get it right.