§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the size of the backlog in processing Disability Living Allowance appeals at Warbreck House, Blackpool. [102639]
§ Mr. BayleyThe administration of Disability Living Allowance is the responsibility of Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Marlyn Jones, dated 20 December 1999:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Question in which you asked for a statement on the size of the backlog in processing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) appeals at Warbreck House, Blackpool.The Disability and Carer Benefits Directorate aims to clear 90% of DLA appeals within 60 days. The outstanding number of registered appeals awaiting preparation and issue of a submission of evidence to The Appeals Service (TAS) as at 30 November was 6,628. Of these, 6106 (92%) are within the normal processing period. The remaining 522 (8%) were over the 60 day target period.There have been delays in processing DLA cases, including appeals, over recent weeks and measures have been introduced to rectify the situation. Staff resources have been diverted from less critical areas of work, and newly recruited staff will have completed their training in January and March. The situation is being closely monitored on a weekly basis.I hope this is helpful.