§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average time taken to process each pension credit application was in 2003; and how many applications remain to be processed. [152127]
§ Mr. SpellarThe average time taken to process new Pension Credit applications in 2003 was 30 days.
On average about 350 new applications are received each week and there are currently 4,200 applications still to be processed. All applications made up to October 2004 will be backdated to 6 October 2003.
There are also about 900 Minimum Income Guarantee claims (made between October and December 2003 where entitlement began prior to 6 October 2003) still to be processed. These should be cleared by March 2004.
Following the launch of Pension Credit in October there has been a tremendous response from pensioners and their representatives both in terms of enquiries and pensions credit applications. It has taken longer than anticipated to process the applications.
However, firm plans are in place, additional staff are being trained and the situation will improve significantly over the coming months.