IN a recent report Mr Edward Leigh MP, chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts said: "It is astounding that one in five benefits decisions by the Department for Work and Pensions contains errors.

"This performance is simply unacceptable given the uncertainty and hardship it can cause for society's disadvantaged and often vulnerable groups, and does little for the creditability of the social security system."

The committee found that the complexity of the benefit system remains a major problem for staff and customers alike and is a key factor affecting the performance of the Department.

It also observed that too few decisions are right first time. For example, with Disability Living Allowance (DLA) the error rate is nearly 50 per cent, and 54 per cent of cases, which go to appeal, are overturned in the customer's favour.

Official Government figures show that only half the people actually entitled to disability benefits actually claim them and of those who do claim, nearly one fifth are under claiming! No wonder when so many claims are refused mistakenly!

Disability Advice and Information Services (DAIS) wants to ensure people are aware of the benefits available to them.

we offer a free benefits check to see if people may be entitled to claim any extra benefits, including the new pension credit for pensioners.

This is important as we have seen an increasing number of pension credit awards that have been incorrectly calculated leading to pensioners being underpaid between £40 and £80 a week! Alternatively if you have been refused DLA, DAIS can offer free advice on what to do next!

PAUL BRENNAN, Director, Disability Advice and Information Services, High Street, Standish, Wigan.