HC Deb 30 March 2004 vol 419 cc89-90WS
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr.Andrew Smith)

I am today able to announce the 2004–05 annual performance targets for the rent service, responsibility for which transfers to my Department from 1 April 2004, and the disability and carers service. The targets I have agreed are set out below.

Further information on the plans of the businesses in 2004–05 is contained in their individual business plans that have been published today. Copies have been placed in the Library.

THE RENT SERVICE

Service Delivery To process 87 per cent. of housing benefit determinations, with an inspection, within 15 working days. To process 87 per cent. of housing benefit determinations, without an inspection, within 3 working days. To process 87 per cent. of pre-tenancy determinations within 4 working days. To process 87 per cent. of redeterminations within 15 working days. To process 87 per cent. of fair rent determinations within 40 working days.

Value for Money Productivity: To increase productivity by 1 per cent. by the end of the year compared to last year. Costs: To reduce the cost per case by 1 per cent. in real terms by the end of the year. Quality: 87 per cent. of local reference rent housing benefit determinations to he upheld on redetermination. Quality: 87 per cent. of fair rent valuations to be upheld by judicial review.

Customer Satisfaction To raise the customer satisfaction rating, of satisfactory or better, from 87 per rent. in 2003–04 to 90 per cent.in 2004–05.

DISABILITY AND CARERS SERVICE
Business Event Targets for 2004–05
Decision Making Quality: DLA 90 per cent
Decision Making Quality: AA 90 per cent
Accuracy: CA 95 per cent
Claims—Normal Rules: DLA 39 days
Claims—Normal Rules: AA 24 days
Claims: CA 24 days
Claims—Special Rules: DLA 8 days
Claims—Special Rules: AA 8 days
Renewal claims: DLA 32 days
Renewal claims: AA 23 days
Appeals: DLA 40 days
Appeals: AA 40 days
Appeals: CA 38 days
Note:
  • DLA — Disability living allowance
  • AA — Attendance allowance
  • CA — Carer's allowance