§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set up an independent review of the workings of the appeals system against refusal and downgrading of disability living allowance applications; and if he will make a statement. [121196]
§ Angela EagleA full evaluation exercise is currently being carried out following the changes to the decision making and appeals procedures introduced last year. All areas affected by the changes are being monitored.
We are aware that the Benefits Agency is experiencing some problems in dealing with revisions and appeals on Disability Living Allowance and this is being addressed separately.
§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost of extending the entitlement for new claims to disability living allowance to all those aged below 70 years. [119246]
§ Mr. Bayley[pursuant to his reply, 17 April 2000, c. 402W]: The estimated programme cost would be £350 million in 2001–02, rising to £400 million in 2002–03 and £500 million in 2003–04.