DWP Central Freedom of Information Team

e-mail: [DWP request email]

Our Ref: VTR 477

2 April 2009

Dear Mr Tyes

Freedom of Information Request - VTR 477

I am writing in response to your request for information about the current average delay on processing new Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claims in Cambridge, which you requested on 18 March 2009.

The information you have requested is as follows -

The average processing time Nationally for ESA is 13.3 days.

Age, gender and nationality are not something that we are required to record I am therefore unable to supply this information.

The average ESA processing time within the Cambridgeshire area is currently 24.4 days for February 2009, an average of 18.7 days, year to date total. We do not record processing details specifically for the Cambridge office.

If you are not satisfied with my handling of your request please tell me why within two calendar months of the date of this letter. I will then arrange for someone to conduct an internal review of your request and my handling/decision. The review will be conducted by another officer, usually of a more senior grade to me. This person will have taken no part in my original decision. You will be advised of their decision in writing.

If you are still not content with the outcome of the internal review you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner to look into the way your request has been handled. Please note that generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have first exhausted DWP's own complaints procedure. The Commissioner can be contacted at:

FoI Complaints Resolution

Information Commissioner's Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF
Fax: 01625 545 510

email:[email address]

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Yours sincerely

DWP Central FoI Team