§ Mr. Neil Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the deployment of special case officers in his Department's local offices; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonSpecial case officers in the Department's local offices already provide a valuable service in helping supplementary benefits claimants who have difficulty in managing their finances. However, a study by the social security policy inspectorate, of which I am placing a copy in the Library, has indicated that its work can be made even more effective. We have therefore prepared proposals to strengthen the role of these officers, and in particular to use them to establish closer links at casework level with social services departments and other local organisations. These changes, which are intended to improve the service given to claimants, will be implemented in August this year.