§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many complaints the Benefits Agency has received in the past year from people who were not paid their pensions, having reached pensionable age; what discussions he has had with the Benefits Agency about the prompt payment of benefits; and if he will make a statement. [89660]
§ Mr. TimmsThe data requested are not available. In the 10 months up to 31 March 1999, the Benefits Agency target of processing 65 per cent. of its claims within 20 days was met in all but one of the months. Since April, the target has been 95 per cent. processed in 60 days and for April and May the percentages achieved were 94.9 and 94.7 respectively.
Over the last year, more than 10 million people who were receiving their pensions a year ago have continued to receive them without interruption. Ministers have both met with and received written progress reports from Benefits Agency officials on the potential impact on pension and other benefit claims of the delayed implementation of NIRS2. The Benefits Agency has started to review cases that have been affected by the delays in implementing NIRS2 as planned.