§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will pay compensation to Mrs. J. Duffy of Kingsbridge, following the outcome of her appeal against the Benefits Agency on 6 October 1999 and the reinstatement of her benefit. [108995]
§ Mr. BayleyThe administration of Disability Living Allowance is a matter for Mr. Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Anthony Steen, dated 9 February 2000:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question if he will pay compensation to Mrs. J. Duffy of Kingsbridge, following the outcome of her appeal against the Benefits Agency on 6 October, 1999 and the reinstatement of her benefit.Mrs. Duffy's case has been carefully considered and an award of £50.00 consolatory special payment has been made for gross inconvenience. Mrs. Duffy has been invited to submit evidence to allow consideration of further ex-gratia payments for her out of pocket expenses.Compensation by way of interest on delayed arrears of Disability Living Allowance is not payable in Mrs. Duffy's case as she has not been deprived of benefit as a result of clear and unambiguous official error or exceptional delay. Guidelines for which are laid down in the Department's "Financial Redress for Maladministration" manual.I hope this is helpful.