Written question asked by Bill Tynan (Labour) on Friday, 16 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 July 2004. It was answered by Chris Pond (Labour) on Thursday, 22 July 2004 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, on how many occasions in the last year automated payments of benefits and pensions have been delayed; for how long payments were delayed; and what recompense was offered to recipients for the delay.

Answer: Mr. Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on how many occasions in the last year automated payments of benefits and pensions have been delayed; for how long payments were delayed; and what recompense was offered to recipients for the delay. [185673] Mr. Pond: There have been four occasions in the last year when automated payments of benefits have been paid late to DWP customers. Some disability living allowance customers received their payment two banking days late on one occasion, and one banking day late on another. The other occasions delayed payments to some jobseeker's allowance customers and income support customers by one banking day. Departmental policy provides a scheme for financial redress for maladministration. This scheme is available to consider ex-gratia payments for customers who face financial inconvenience or distress because of late payments. This is dependent on the individual circumstances of the case.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 424 c425W; 185673
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Compensation Administrative delays Pensions Payments Social security benefits Automated credit transfer
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk