HC Deb 23 January 1969 vol 776 cc176-7W
Mr. Gregory

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he is satisfied with his Department's provision of services for Reddish and the northern areas of Stockport, and the transfer of operations at the Denton office to Hyde, Cheshire; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what plans are in hand to provide permanent arrangements for his Department's services in Stockport, particularly with regard to premises to serve adequately the Reddish and northern areas of the borough.

Mr. Swingler

As soon as premises can be obtained, it is intended to provide a new all-purpose social security office in Stockport, which will then cover the Reddish area. In the meantime, supplementary benefits work for the Reddish area, which is now dealt with at Denton, is being transferred on the closure of the Denton office to a new office at Hyde. Contributory benefits will continue to be dealt with at the existing Stockport office. The new office at Hyde is about 1½ miles from the Denton office and is well served by public transport. When they are completed, these arrangements will provide a more comprehensive and efficient service to the public.

Mr. Gregory

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the services and areas to be covered by his Department's Hyde, Cheshire, offices.

Mr. Swingler

The Hyde office will administer the following areas for all social security purposes: Hyde M.B., Glossop M.B., Denton U.D., Longendale U.D., Tintwistle U.D. and the Charles-worth and Chisworth parishes of Chapel-en-le-Frith R.D.

Pending the establishment of a new office in Stockport it will also administer for supplementary benefit purposes only: Bredbury and Romiley U.D., New Mills U.D., Whaley Bridge U.D., the North Reddish and Brimmington parts of Stockport B.C., and the parishes of Chapel-en-le-Frith, Hayfield, Peak Forest and Chinley, Buxworth and Brownside.

Mr. Gregory

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services which areas are served by the Stockport office of the Supplementary Benefits Commission; and what action is being taken to improve facilities for the staff and the public at Hall Street, Stockport.

Mr. Swingler

The areas at present served by the Hall Street office are:

  • Stockport C.B., except for North Reddish and Brimmington.
  • Cheadle and Gatley U.D.
  • Hazel Grove and Bramhall U.D.
  • Marple U.D.
  • Disley R.D.

Pending the establishment of a new all-purpose social security office in Stockport, arrangements are being made to provide additional accommodation at the existing office.