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Fuel Smuggling
Rev. Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on cross-border fuel smuggling. [141743]
Mr. Ingram: The problem of cross-border fuel smuggling is being tackled in a strategic and co-ordinated way on both sides of the border. I am determined that criminal elements do not profit from such illegal activity and have the full support of the Irish Government.
RUC Widows
Mr. Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what assessment he has made of the financial situation of Royal Ulster Constabulary widows and their families; and if he will make a statement; [143249]
- (2) if he will make an equal tax-free lump sum payment to RUC widows' families based on the difference between the gratuities payable before and after November 1982, as measured by the RPI and if the sum had been invested from 1982 to date; [143251]
(3) if it is his policy to means-test the financial provision made to RUC widows' families; [143250]
(4) what measures he will take to ensure the financial security of RUC widows and their families; and if he will make a statement. [143252]
Mr. Ingram: In July, John Steele CB OBE TD DL was asked to review the Patten Commission proposal for a substantial fund to be set up to help injured police officers and their families, and police widows. He reported at the end of October and a copy of the report is available in the Library.
On 7 November my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announced that he welcomed Mr. Steele's comprehensive and thorough report, which covers the points made by the hon. Member, and that the Government were undertaking a detailed assessment of each of the specific proposals. That assessment, including the arrangements for setting up a Trust Fund, is continuing.
Sentences (Monitoring)
Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to monitor sentencing of individuals according to (a) perceived community origin, (b) ethnic origin, (c) gender, (d) sexual orientation and (e) disability. [142277]
Mr. Ingram: The Government are considering the development of a strategy for equity monitoring the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland as it affects different categories of people, while ensuring that such monitoring does not compromise judicial independence.
21 Dec 2000 : Column: 258W
SOCIAL SECURITY
Benefit Payments
Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he has taken to correct incorrect benefit payments; and how much was (a) recovered and (b) paid in compensation for each major benefit in (i) 1979-80, (ii) 1996-97 and (iii) the most recent figures available. [143103]
Angela Eagle: The administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member shortly.
Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 20 December 2000:
- The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what action he has taken to correct incorrect benefit payments; and how much was (a) recovered and (b) paid in compensation for each major benefit in (i) 1979-80, (ii) 1996-97 and (iii) the most recent figures available.
- When an error occurs prompt action is taken to correct the benefit payments due. If an overpayment of benefit has occurred, recovery action will be taken as appropriate. When there are arrears following an underpayment of benefit, our special payments unit consider a compensation payment in recognition of the fact that the customer has lost use of the sum owed because of the Departmental delay. The payment is calculated in the form of interest on the arrears of monies owed using the Average Retail Shares and Deposits rate supplied by the building Society Commission. The Department may additionally make a consolatory payment if the official error has had a direct adverse effect on the life of the customer. Further details about the Department's compensation scheme can be found in the guide to Financial Redress for Maladministration. A copy of the guide is kept in the House of Commons Library, and it is also available in the Publications section of the DSS internet site:
- www.dss.gov.uk.
- Information about recovers and compensation is not available in the format requested. However, the information which is available is in the attached tables.
- I hope this is helpful.
| £ million | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1996-97 | 1999-2000 | |
| Income Support (IS) | 61.5 | 115.9 |
| Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) | 0.0 | 5.0 |
| Other Benefits | 41.1 | 63.8 |
| Total | 102.6 | 184.7 |
Notes:
1. No data are available from 1979-90, there was no system at that time to count overpayments.
2. Jobseeker's Allowance was introduced during 1996-97, recoveries of overpayments in that year were less than £100,000.
3. Other benefits figures summarise all BA delivered benefits apart from IS and JSA.
n/a = not available
(1) No figures are available for 1979-80.
(2) Jobseeker's Allowance was introduced on 7 October 1996 and replaced both Unemployment Benefit and Income Support for the unemployed. The figure displayed for Income Support payments made during 1996-97 may also include special payments made in respect of Jobseeker's Allowance, as discrete records were not maintained at that time.
(3) Includes £4,747,031 paid under the Dorset Trust special exercises(4) .
(5) Includes £406,338 paid by way of special exercises (IS bulletin 105/98).
(6) Includes £275,092 paid by way of special exercise (Retirement LEAP exercise).
(7) A further £2,518,462 was paid to certain recipients of Incapacity Benefit, Retirement Pension, Widows Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance by way of compensation for delays arising from NIRS2 implementation.
(8) A 'special exercise' occurs where a systemic failure affects a number of similar cases, delays in administration occur following introduction of new legislation, or defective legislation which does not reflect the intention of Ministers adversely affects a group of customers.
21 Dec 2000 : Column: 259W
Winter Fuel Payments Helpline
Mr. Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to improve the functioning of the Benefits Agency Winter Fuel Payments Helpline. [143112]
Mr. Rooker: The administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Adrian Bailey, dated 20 December 2000.
- The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary question asking what steps he is taking to improve the functioning of the Benefits Agency Winter Fuel Payments Helpline.
- In order to improve the functioning of the helpline, the 150 lines are now open from 8.30am to 8pm instead of 4.30pm. There is also a recorded message for those people who ring and are unable to get through to an operator or the queuing system.
- These measures were implemented from 8 December 2000.
- I hope this reply is helpful.
Independent Living Funds
Liz Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the purpose and operation of the independent living funds. [144281]
21 Dec 2000 : Column: 260W
Mr. Bayley: It is Government policy to review periodically the need for and operation of Government agencies, non-departmental public bodies and other sponsored bodies. In keeping with this policy we will shortly be commencing a review of the Independent Living Funds (ILFs). This review will have the following terms of reference:
- To consider how the ILFs fit into overall Government provision in support of independent living for severely disabled people; to consider whether within the broad envelope of available funding the rules and conditions operated by the Funds make reasonable and equitable provision for severely disabled people to live independently; to consider the administration of the Funds; and to make recommendations.
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