There are no targets for the number of individuals assessed as eligible for employment and support allowance.
[holding answer 3 February 2010]: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
Letter from Darra Singh:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what administrative processes are in place to inform claimants of Employment and Support Allowance of the outcome of their benefit claims; and what processes are in place to ensure that claimants are informed of an unsuccessful claim before existing benefit payments are (a) stopped and (b) reduced. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
If a customer claims Employment and Support Allowance and is entitled to this benefit, an award notice is issued to the customer by post. If a customer is not entitled to Employment and Support Allowance a decision notice is issued to the customer. The notice includes reasons for the disallowance and details of their right to a reconsideration of the decision and, where appropriate, to an appeal. Where a customer is receiving Employment and Support Allowance and their entitlement ends or reduces, for example on a change of circumstances, the customer is notified of the decision and any appeal rights which may apply. Customers are normally notified in advance of any reduction in benefit entitlement but this is not always possible, particularly if the change takes effect from a past date.
In most cases the process is automated with the vast majority of notifications generated by IT systems and delivered by post. However, where we know the customer has a mental health condition, arrangements are in place to visit them before any decision on their case is made.
I hope this information is helpful.