Social Security Benefits Tribunal Hearing Waiting Times 2022-11-22
2022-11-22
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asked about waiting times for social security benefits tribunal hearings in Northamptonshire and England, noting a previous inquiry three years ago.
What is the average waiting time for a social security benefits tribunal hearing in (a) Northamptonshire and (b) England?
Between April and June 2022, the average waiting time for benefits appeals in Northamptonshire was 46 weeks. In England it was 28 weeks. Waiting times can fluctuate due to a number of factors, including volumes of benefit decisions made locally, the complexity of the case, the availability of panel members and venue capacity.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted previous figures from three years ago showing waiting times of 21 weeks for Northamptonshire and 33 weeks across England, expressing concern about deterioration in Northamptonshire despite improvements nationally.
When I asked the same question three years ago, the figures were 21 weeks for Northamptonshire and 33 weeks across England. While there has been improvement across the country as a whole, clearly things are going backwards quite severely in Northamptonshire. Does the Minister share my concern that this is clearly an unacceptable situation, and will he outline plans to tackle it?
My hon. Friend is spot on: it is not acceptable that his area is going backwards. I have commissioned officials to report in detail on the exact problems affecting his area, and I will report to him in the next four to six weeks.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans or commitments were not provided; only a timeline for reporting was given.
Commissioning Officials
Response accuracy