HC Deb 26 February 2004 vol 418 cc552-3W
Mr. Edward Davey

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many complaints the agency Access to Work has received over delays in processing applications in the latest three years for which data are available; [155598]

(2) what targets the agency Access for Work has for the processing of applications for grants for equipment needed by disabled people in their places of work; and what has been its measured performance against this target in the last three years for which data are available; [155599]

(3) what the performance targets are for the agency Access to Work; and what its measured performance has been against these targets in the last three years for which data are available. [155600]

Maria Eagle

Access to Work is a programme run by Jobcentre Plus, which helps disabled people to get or keep jobs by contributing towards the extra employment costs that arise because of their disability. It provides practical assistance to help disabled people compete on a more equal basis with their non-disabled colleagues by removing obstacles linked to disability.

For the last three years, throughout the UK, Access to Work teams have received approximately 60 written complaints specifically about delays in processing applications. Over the same period, there were over 40,000 new applications for help through the programme.

Access to Work is measured against two key performance standards: first, decisions on eligibility for help should be made within 10 days of an application; second, provision of first help to applicant should be within 60 days of an application.

For the year April 2001 to March 2002, 98 per cent. of decisions on help and 87 per cent. of first help to applicants were within standards; for the year 2002–03 97 per cent. of decisions on help and 85 per cent. of first help to applicants were within standards. This is in the context of continuing increases in both numbers helped and programme spend.

For year to date, April 2003 to December 2003, 99 per cent. of decisions on help and 85 per cent. of first help to applicants are within standards.