Written question asked by Steve Webb (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 6 March 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 April 2002. It was answered by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 April 2002 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions;Social Security Benefits Agency

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will estimate the (a) number and (b) total value of emergency benefit payments issued in each month since 1997. - Includes text of letter from Alexis Cleveland of Benefits Agency. (Holding answer 11 March 2002).

Answer: Mr. Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the (a) number and (b) total value of emergency benefit payments issued in each month since 1997. [42180] Mr. Nicholas Brown: [holding answer 11 March 2002]: 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. Steve Webb, dated 13 March 2002: The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will estimate the (a) number and (b) total value of emergency benefit payments issued in each month since 1997. Information held centrally records the total number of clerical payments that have been issued. This is not possible broken down into categories and the amount of the payments is not recorded. It is not therefore possible to estimate how many payments were for emergency payments or the amount that has been paid. Emergency payments vary depending on individual customer's circumstances. I'm sorry that I cannot be more helpful.

Secondary information