§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) for what reasons travel expenses to medical examinations for war pension claimants were changed; [84857]
(2) when he plans to review travel expenses to medical examinations for war pension claimants. [84856]
§ Mr. BayleyThe administration of the War Pensions Agency is a matter for its Chief Executive, Mr. Gordon Hextall. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Gordon Hextall to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 21 June 1999:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions, about the reasons why travel expenses to medical examinations for war pension claimants were changed and when he plans to review travel expenses to medical examinations for war pension claimants.I should explain that the War Pensions Agency uses the medical services of the Benefits Agency with the exception of hearing tests which are arranged by contractors working direct to the War Pensions Agency. The arrangements for paying travelling expenses to medical examinations for War Pension claimants are the same as those for benefits administered by the Benefits Agency. At present medical examinations are arranged by SEMA Group Medical Services who are responsible for paying travelling expenses. The Benefits Agency took a decision from 1 July 1998 to amend the expenses rate 6.5 pence per mile for claimants using their own vehicles to attend examinations.The change was made in order to correct the wide variations in the interpretation of previous instructions. It was concluded that the Benefits Agency was paying rates which were not consistent with existing policies and that expenses payments should be reduced from 22.5p per mile to 6.5p per mile to cover actual fuel costs. This level was consistent with paying actual public transport costs and was introduced in order to ensure that all claimants are treated in the same way regardless of where they live. The new rate was not introduced as a result of the contracting out of the Benefits Agency Medical Services but was introduced by the Benefits Agency before the private sector took over the delivery of the service.I am advised that the Benefits Agency is currently undertaking a review of the above rate to ensure the objectives of the original change are still being met. The results of the review will be made available in due course.I hope this is helpful and if you need any further information, I will be happy to assist.