HC Deb 21 October 2003 vol 411 cc516-7W
Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what powers his Department has to reclaim duplicate payments of retirement pension paid because of official error. [133565]

Malcolm Wicks

Social Security legislation does not provide for recovery of such duplicate overpayments arising as a result of official error. Although these duplicate payments are not recoverable under Social Security legislation, repayment can be sought under common law in exceptional circumstances.

Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in how many cases order books including payment of pension credit have been issued where the previous order book for retirement pension had not been cancelled; what the value of duplicate payments was in such cases; how many such duplicate payments have been made to those receiving direct payments into an account and of what value; and if he will make a statement. [133566]

Malcolm Wicks

We are aware that a number of duplicate order books were issued in the South West Region in June 2003. Although it is not possible to say precisely how many cases were involved, corrective action was taken to prevent any further cases and we are satisfied that the number was small. Payment arrangements have been corrected where cases have been identified. Pension Credit has been payable only from 6 October and information on duplicate payments is not yet available.

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