To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many applications for disability living allowance were received in (a) 2005 and (b) 2006; and what percentage of applications was approved; (114548)

The information is not available in the form requested. The available information is that in the 12 months ending on 31 May 2005, 432,670¹ initial claims to disability living allowance were decided, of which 201,100¹ (46.5 per cent.) resulted in an award of the benefit. In 23.5 per cent.² of the claims which resulted in an award of the benefit, the main disabling condition was recorded as “mental health”. For the 12 months ending on 31 May 2006, the corresponding figures were 422,030¹ claims decided, of which 197,850¹ (46.9 per cent.) resulted in an award of the benefit. In 23.2 per cent.² of the claims which resulted in an award of the benefit, the main disabling condition was recorded as “mental health”.

¹ Source: DWP 100 per cent Management Information Data. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

² Figures are based on a 5 per cent. sample and are therefore subject to a degree of sampling variation.

Notes:

Figures do not include first awards made as a result of reviews or appeals, since decisions following reviews or appeals occur considerably later than the initial decision.