§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce play facilities in Lewisham and Brixton district benefit office.
§ Mr. BurtThe provision of play facilities within benefit offices is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
140WLetter from Michael Bichard to Ms Joan Ruddock, dated 20 June 1994:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about what plans there are to introduce play facilities in Lewisham and Brixton Offices.The Benefits Agency is committed to improving the facilities for customers who visit our offices; public areas of offices are being upgraded as funds allow. Managers have the freedom to decide how best to improve facilities for their customers within the available resources.In the last three years four of the five locations in South Circular District, including Lewisham and Brixton, have been refurbished to provide better facilities for customers. The improvements have taken account of customers' preferences by providing increased privacy, more comfortable seating, carpets, improved facilities for the disabled, a mother and baby room and a television.A project team has been set up to look at further ways to make improvements including, where space permits, providing designated play areas. There are a number of issues to consider but management hope that within the next twelve to eighteen months they will be able to provide play facilities.I hope you find this reply helpful.