HL Deb 04 April 2000 vol 611 cc124-5WA
Lord Clement-Jones

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 29 February (WA 65–6), when the advice on the structure and contents of the annual reports on the new regional specialised commissioning arrangements will be finalised. [HL1708]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The advice on the structure and content of regions' annual reports on commissioning specialised services has now been finalised and issued to regions. Copies have been placed in the Library.

Lord Clement-Jones

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 29 February (WA 65–6), what steps they are taking to ensure that their advice on the structure and contents of the annual reports on the new regional specialised commissioning arrangements are followed so that performance can be seen to be measured consistently across the National Health Service. [HL1709]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

Regional directors are accountable for regional commissioning specialised arrangements and as such are responsible for ensuring that their region's annual report on commissioning specialised services conforms with advice given on the structure and content of annual reports.

Lord Clement-Jones

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 29 February (WA 65–6), whether they will circulate their advice on the structure and contents of the annual reports on the new regional specialised commissioning arrangements and the annual report of the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group to relevant user organisations and disability charities. [HL1710]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

Regions have been asked to produce annual reports on the regional specialised commissioning arrangements. Individual regions' annual reports will be in the public domain and will be made available to local bodies including user organisations. Each region will be inviting comments on its annual report and as such there will be an opportunity for user organisations to comment on the structure and content of future annual reports.

Details of Reduced Benefit Directions (RBD) at quarter ending (QE) November 1999
Quarter RBD was imposed Number of whole quarters RBD in place to date Estimated duration of RBD (weeks) Number of cases on 5% scan of Income Support Computer System Number of cases (grossed up) Average weekly amount of benefit not paid (£) Estimated total benefit not paid up to QE Nov 99 (£,000)
Nov 99 0 6.5 139 2,780 20.20 365.0
Aug 99 1 19.5 111 2,220 20.25 876.6
May 99 2 32.5 277 5,540 20.47 3,685.4
Feb 99 3 45.5 31 620 20.06 566.0
Nov 98 4 58.5 35 700 19.94 816.5
Aug 98 5 71.5 34 680 20.09 977.0
May 98 6 84.5 13 260 20.56 451.7
Feb 98 7 97.5 11 220 20.56 441.0