HC Deb 13 April 1999 vol 329 cc149-50W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will review the changes brought about by the Social Security Act 1986 to the state earnings-related pension scheme which will take effect on 6 April 2000; [79899]

(2) if he will make a statement on the advice given by his Department on the legislative changes brought about by the Social Security Act 1986 to the state earnings-related pension scheme. [79943]

Mr. Timms

The Social Security Act 1986 modified SERPS for those reaching pension age from 6 April 1999 and 6 April 2000 onwards in several key areas. Most of these changes were incorporated into subsequent amendments to the leaflets NP46, "A guide to Retirement Pensions", and NP45, "A guide to Widow's Benefit".

However, the change affecting the rate of SERPS which can be inherited by a surviving spouse was not included until 1996.

We are aware of cases where information has been given in response to inquiries by members of the public that did not reflect the change to inherited SERPS. The Benefits Agency has recently issued instructions to all staff to ensure that this does not recur.

We hope to resolve the matter as soon as we can.

Mr. Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 26 March 1999,Official Report, column 440, on SERPS, for how long records of inquiries about SERPS entitlement are retained before destruction. [79658]

Mr. Timms

It is a requirement that written inquiries to the Benefits Agency (BA) Retirement Pension Forecast Advice Unit are retained for a minimum of 20 weeks. Approximately 2 years ago, the Unit began to retain a record of the inquiry and the answer given on computer for 18 months.

Written inquiries to BA Local Offices are retained for a minimum of 20 weeks.

Telephone inquiries of a general nature are not recorded. Normally, if specific information is given in a telephone call that affects a benefit claim then this is recorded. It is retained for the same period as written inquiries.

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