§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what efficiency savings were made by the Benefits Agency during its first year of operations; and what target for savings has been set for the financial year 1992–93.
§ Mr. BurtThe achievement of efficiency savings in the Benefits Agency is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Mr. Richard to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 27 October 1992:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the efficiency savings made by the Benefits Agency during its first year of operation; and what target for savings has been set for the financial year 1992–93.The Benefits Agency made a total of £116m of efficiency savings in 91–92, mainly through the implementation of our computerisation programme. This, together with £80m carried forward from previous years, made a cumulative total of £196m compared with the target of £182m set for the Agency.The Agency has been set a target of £53.7m for 92–93 which we expect to achieve, again, mainly through computerisation.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy of this reply will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.