HL Deb 15 October 1996 vol 574 cc190-1WA
Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the statement of the Secretary of State for Social Security on 18th July, that he will try to develop new business process for the delivery of benefit (H.C. Deb., col. 714), what processes are envisaged.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

We have a rolling programme to review and redesign the way we administer benefits. The aim is to develop processes that actively support our objectives for improved accuracy and security at each stage of a claim. We will remove steps and activities which we have identified through analysis of current processes to be of limited or no value. At the same time tasks and activities will be organised in ways that promote efficient working and streamlined handling, and reduce the need for double handling or rework. We intend to make best use of the opportunities available from developments in information technology to reduce off-system activity and the duplication of work where more than one benefit is involved.