Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Delays 2021-12-16

2021-12-16

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
David Warburton
▸ Context
The MP noted that constituents are facing delays in getting through to the DVLA, impacting urgent cases.
What steps his Department is taking to help resolve delays at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. I am concerned about the impact of delays on urgent and severe cases and want a timeline for service improvement.
Grant Shapps
The DVLA has introduced more online services, recruited extra staff, is using overtime and has secured extra office space. The backlog of 55,000 occupational licences has been cleared and those are now processed in five working days. Expect service to return to normal next year.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline for resolution other than 'next year'.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
David Warburton
▸ Context
The Transport Committee raised concerns about DVLA's performance for over a year. The MP highlighted that the service has not approached the pandemic as effectively as other agencies.
Does the Secretary of State recognise that ongoing delays at the DVLA, particularly for HGV drivers and those wishing to drive HGVs, are exacerbating supply chain issues? Concerned about the backlog impact on essential goods delivery.
Grant Shapps
The hon. Lady is right to be concerned about backlogs but wrong to suggest they apply to HGV drivers. Medical applications are now processed in five days. More HGV drivers are coming on the road due to our 32-point plan.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Did not fully address ongoing delays for HGV drivers, only medical application delays.
Wrong To Suggest Now Processed In Five Days
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Ruth Cadbury Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
▸ Context
The MP noted that his constituency is a major logistics centre where HGV drivers face ongoing problems.
Can I urge the Secretary of State to redouble efforts to ensure improvement in the service, given that my constituents are still experiencing issues?
Grant Shapps
At its peak, there were 56,000 applications; now down to 9,000. Medical applications processed within five days unless additional medical information is required. Please inform me of any issues with occupational DVLA applications.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Did not address ongoing issues directly but provided process details and offered assistance.
Down To 9,000 Within Five Days Unless Additional Medical Information Is Required
Response accuracy