§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reasons the forecast of his Department's running costs for 1996–97 has risen from £3,195 million, as set out in table 3.7 of the statistical supplement to the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1995–96", Cm 2821, published by Her Majesty's Treasury, to £3.5 billion, as set out in chart 6.6 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1996–97". [4057]
§ Mr. BurtThe main reason for the increase is a reclassification of £200 million of other current expenditure as running costs. This does not alter overall DSS current provision. The remaining increase of around £100 million is to cover the implementation of jobseeker's allowance, changes to child support, further anti-fraud measures and increases in work load.