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Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what considerations and costs are taken into account when determining the level of jobseeker's allowance. [10575]
Malcolm Wicks: Jobseeker's allowance consists of both a contribution-based and an income-based element. The rates of jobseeker's allowance are intended to cover normal day-to-day living expenses and are reviewed annually using the Rossi index.
Entitlement to contribution-based jobseeker's allowance is not affected by the amount of capital a person has although part-time earnings and occupational or personal pensions are taken into account. When determining income-based jobseeker's allowance most forms of income a person or their partner have are taken into account. The amount of capital held can also affect the amount of benefit.
Mr. Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to increase the staff of the Child Support Agency while the new assessment procedures are implemented. [10417]
Malcolm Wicks [holding answer 26 October 2001]: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Mr. Doug Smith to Mr. David Willetts, dated 6 November 2001:
7 Nov 2001 : Column: 311W
Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average time was between receipt of requests to re-examine claims for attendance allowance and their examination, in each of the last four years. [11386]
Maria Eagle: This is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, chief executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Christopher Chope, dated November 2001:
7 Nov 2001 : Column: 312W
Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what factors determine the length of time for a decision to be given in response to those who request that their claims for attendance allowance are re-examined; and if he will make a statement. [11388]
Maria Eagle: This is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, chief executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Christopher Chope, dated 6 November 2001:
7 Nov 2001 : Column: 313W
Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many appeals against decisions on attendance allowance have been made in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available; and how many (a) have been allowed, (b) have been dismissed and (c) are awaiting a decision in each of the last four years. [11385]
Maria Eagle: This is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, chief executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member.
7 Nov 2001 : Column: 314W
Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Christopher Chope, dated 6 November 2001:
Month | AA appeals registered | Allowed appeals (a) | Dismissed appeals (b) | Outstanding appeals (c) | Total number of cleared cases (d) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
October 2000 | 1,434 | 386 | 3 | 3,116 | 1,271 |
November 2000 | 1,545 | 502 | 6 | 2,284 | 1,539 |
December 2000 | 1,023 | 425 | 6 | 1,958 | 1,246 |
January 2001 | 1,311 | 613 | 8 | 1,698 | 2,008 |
February 2001 | 1,330 | 636 | 4 | 1,672 | 1,770 |
March 2001 | 1,442 | 642 | 5 | 1,649 | 1,688 |
April 2001 | 1,317 | 431 | 1 | 1,799 | 1,227 |
May 2001 | 1,212 | 448 | 3 | 1,646 | 1,237 |
June 2001 | 1,263 | 430 | 3 | 1,475 | 1,210 |
July 2001 | 1,331 | 431 | 3 | 1,447 | 1,266 |
August 2001 | 1,261 | 397 | 3 | 1,516 | 1,142 |
September 2001 | 1,129 | 338 | 5 | 1,676 | 1,078 |
(a) Allowed appeals include allowed or increased appeals.
(d) Dismissed appeals include cases where entitlement is reduced or disallowed on appeal.
(c) Outstanding appeals include all cases sent to the Tribunal awaiting a decision.
(d) The total number of cleared cases column includes allowed, dismissed, maintained and various other outcomes that are not appropriate to the stated categories.
It is not possible, from overall statistics to track individual claims through the subsequent stages.
Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average time is for dealing with requests by those seeking an explanation for decisions relating to claims for attendance allowance. [11384]
Maria Eagle: This is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Christopher Chope, dated November 2001:
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