§ Mr. EffordTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people in Eltham have had a change in their Disability Living Allowance entitlement in the last year; how many have resulted in(a) a reduction, (b) withdrawal and (c) no change; and how many have gone to appeal; [80497]
(2) what is the average cost of an appeal against changes in Disability Living Allowance entitlement for 1998–99; and if he will make a statement; [80496]
(3) how many people in Eltham have completed an appeal against an alteration in their Disability Living Allowance in 1998–99; and how many have resulted in (a) reinstatement, (b) complete withdrawal, (c) an increase, (d) no change and (e) a reduction in each component. [80498]
§ Mr. BayleyThe information on Disability Living Allowance claims and appeals is not available in the form requested. Such information as is available is as follows.
158W2,640 people were receiving Disability Living Allowance in the Eltham Constituency on 30 November 1998.
For the 12 months ending 30 November 1998, 80 people in the Eltham Constituency had their award of Disability Living Allowance increased, 80 people had their entitlement decreased and 180 people had their award terminated.
The average cost of a Disability Living Allowance appeal for 1998–99 is not currently available, but is estimated to be £300 per appeal.
There are no data for the number of applicants in the Eltham Constituency who have had a change in entitlement during 1998 and who have then asked for a review or submitted an appeal.
Note:
The reason an award is terminated is not available. An award can be terminated because of death; residence or presence conditions no longer satisfied; relinquishment of benefit by claimant; or withdrawal of benefit by the Department.
Source:
Analytical Services Division: As the figures are below 500 the numbers are too small to be statistically reliable.