Written question asked by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by John Healey (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many applications for tax credits have been waiting for their first payment for (a) one month, (b) two months, (c) three months, (d) four months, (e) five months and (f) six months or more. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications for tax credits have been waiting for their first payment for (a) one month, (b) two months, (c) three months, (d) four months, (e) five months and (f) six months or more. [197790] John Healey: The total number of households waiting for a decision on their tax credits claim for more than one month is 3,220. This is broken down as follows: (a) One month: 1,386 (b) Two months: 744 (c) Three months: 290 (d) Four months: 178 (e) Five months: 96 (f) Six months: 526 The largest numbers of claimants awaiting a decision are those where information provided requires further examination.

Secondary information