Draft DSD Service Delivery Agreement 2002/2003.

Mr Baker presented on the Draft DSD Service Delivery Agreement stating the document provided to the Committee in January concerning SDA's 'was work in progress' and a revised document had been provided which attempted to respond positively to issues raised by the Committee especially in the areas of Housing, and Leverage Targets in relation to Urban Development Grant and the Laganside Corporation. Unfortunately it was not possible to state targets in all instances for the years beyond 2002/03 as the resource availability for more years will be unknown until the spending review is complete.

A new Action 17 has been included recognising participation in a New Targeting Social Need Prompting Social Inclusion Review focusing on the difficulties faced by homeless people. Ministerial targets have been agreed for the Social Security and Child Support Agencies and these have been included in the SDA.

Mr Baker thanked the Committee for their comments and support in developing the SDA and subject to the Committee's views the Department would like to publish the SDA next week.

Q. When a person makes an appeal to the DLA how long does it take to process?

A. Normally for Disability Living Allowance it takes 12 and 16 weeks to put a case to the Appeals Tribunal.

Q. The question was how long does it take for the full appeal process, what is the average waiting time?

A. We will need to consult the Court Service on that information and will advise the Committee of the outcome.

Social Development Minutes 25 April 2002