§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average arrears payment and the average compensation payment made to people who have been victims of the problems with the NIRS2 computer system, broken down into claimants of each of the benefits affected. [160224]
9W
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 3 May 2001]: The only reason there have been victims of the NIRS2 computer system is because of the terms on which the system was purchased by the previous Administration. We are dealing with the consequences to ensure people do not lose out.
Benefit Average amount of benefit arrears paid (£) Average amount of compensation paid (£ p) Retirement Pension 323 12.20 Widows Benefit 1,665 29.97 Incapacity Benefit 305 19.55 Jobseeker's Allowance 381 31.44
§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security broken down on an annual basis, how many claimants of each of the benefits calculated by NIRS2 have received arrears payments related to the problems with the computer system; how many have received compensation; and how many cases are still waiting to be reviewed. [160225]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 3 May 2001]: As at 31 March 2001, the Department had processed almost 98 per cent. of the 3.2 million referrals from NIRS2 since 19 April 1999. 66,880 cases remain under review, which is 8,000 less than at 28 February 2001.
Benefit Number of people whose benefit has been underpaid Number of people who have received compensation Tax year 1999–2000 Retirement Pension 94,942 197,933 Widows Benefit 9,936 19,081 Incapacity Benefit 3,980 2,055 Jobseeker's Allowance 1,019 161 Tax year 2000–01 Retirement Pension 75,409 50,227 Widows Benefit 6,160 4,110 Incapacity Benefit 4,937 2,488 Jobseeker's Allowance 1,168 65