Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the backlog of correspondence at the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency on correspondents; what strategy is in place to clear that backlog; what discretion will be in place for people who have been affected by the backlog; and if he will make a statement.

The quickest and easiest way to make an application to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is by using its extensive suite of online services. There are no delays in successful online applications and customers should receive their documents within a few days.

However, many people still choose or have to make a paper application. The DVLA receives around 60,000 items of mail every day and industrial action by members of the Public and Commercial Services union has led to delays for customers alongside a significantly reduced number of staff on site to ensure social distancing in line with Welsh Government requirements. The current increased demand for the DVLA’s services has also contributed to delays with paper applications.

The DVLA understands the impact that delays can have on people’s everyday lives and is working as quickly as possible to process applications and return people’s documentation to them.

The DVLA continues to explore opportunities to reduce the backlog. The DVLA has introduced additional online services and recruited additional staff. The DVLA is exploring the possibility of securing extra office space to house more staff to work predominantly on driver’s medical casework and queries. This will be surge capacity accommodation and resource to help reduce backlogs while providing future resilience and business continuity.