Every parliamentary written question tabled by Sarah Bool this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1–7 of 7 · Department for Work and Pensions
How many subject access requests exceeded the statutory deadline in the last two years.
During the 12-month period June 2025 to May 2026 inclusive (i.e. the 12-month period prior to the question), DWP completed 16,032 subject access requests within the statutory deadline. During the 12-month period June 2025 to May 2026 inclusive (i.e. the 1...
What the average completion time was for completed subject access requests.
During the 12-month period June 2025 to May 2026 inclusive (i.e. the 12-month period prior to the question), DWP completed 16,032 subject access requests within the statutory deadline. During the 12-month period June 2025 to May 2026 inclusive (i.e. the 1...
How many subject access requests to his Department were responded to within the statutory deadline.
During the 12-month period June 2025 to May 2026 inclusive (i.e. the 12-month period prior to the question), DWP completed 16,032 subject access requests within the statutory deadline. During the 12-month period June 2025 to May 2026 inclusive (i.e. the 1...
How many subject access requests the Department received in the last 12 months.
During the 12-month period June 2025 to May 2026 inclusive (i.e. the 12-month period prior to the question), DWP completed 16,032 subject access requests within the statutory deadline. During the 12-month period June 2025 to May 2026 inclusive (i.e. the 1...
What recent discussions she has had with Hewlett Packard on the change in value of pre-1997 pension scheme members’ pensions; and what steps she is taking to support affected pensioners.
The Department for Work and Pensions has had no discussions with Hewlett Packard on this issue. Discretionary increases in benefits above the statutory minimum and those required by scheme rules are a matter for the scheme sponsor and trustees.Most schemes do pay some pre-1997 indexation, because of scheme rules or as a discretionary benefit. Analysis published last year by the Pensions Regulator shows that as of March 2023, only 17 per cent of members of private sector defined benefit pension schemes did not receive any pre-1997 indexation on benefits. This information can be found at: https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/document-library/research-and-analysis/data-requests#f3a5fe60511a445f91112bd7dd8a64aeThe Government’s pension reforms on the use of surpluses in defined benefit schemes will make it easier for individual schemes to make decisions that improve outcomes for both sponsoring employers and members, which could include discretionary benefit increases. These changes are being taken forward through the Pension Schemes Bill which had its second reading on Monday 7th July.
What support is available for older workers in rural areas seeking to return to employment.
The government is reforming jobcentres to better match people with the right jobs and provide employment skills, and career support to individuals including older workers and those in rural areas. Design elements of the new National Jobs and Careers Service will be tested to develop a service that is effective for local areas, individuals, and employers. The service will cover Great Britain and will adapt to operate differently in each locality to accommodate local systems and needs, including rural regions and reflecting devolution settlements in Scotland and Wales. DWP currently offers tailored employment support through Jobcentres, including a review of health finances and skills for eligible over 50’s on Universal credit, with an online offer available to all. Our network of 50plus Champions drive localised activity through Jobcentres. In rural communities this includes adapting delivery of employment support, to ensure attendees in rural communities can access information, training courses and job opportunities.
What assessment she has made of the potential merits of excluding military compensation from income calculation when determining eligibility for (a) Universal Credit and (b) sickness benefits.
War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Payments are not taken into account in Universal Credit. Guaranteed Income Payments, Service Attributable Pensions and service-attributable, non-taxable Service Invalidity Pensions are also not taken into account. New Style Employment Support Allowance (ESA) disregards any guaranteed income scheme payable under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. In the legacy income-related benefits, e.g. income-related ESA, there is a statutory £10 weekly disregard. However, Local Authorities have discretionary powers fully to disregard ‘war pension’ income in the assessment of Housing Benefit.