§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the total cost to date of the benefit integrity project, including staff training; and what have been the total savings. [16561]
§ Mr. DenhamOne of our key aims is to rebuild integrity in, and public support for, the Social Security system and the way in which public money is spent. We need to focus on those who are properly entitled to benefit. This is why we have set up the Benefit Integrity Project.
The administration of this programme is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. he will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 3 December 1997:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the total cost to date of the Benefit Integrity Project, including staff training and the total savings.The total cost of the Benefit Integrity Project, including staff training, is £3,459,986.00 as at 31 October 1997.The savings at 31 October 1997 are £5,414,785.00. This level of savings has been calculated using the Department's standard method of assessment and takes into account increases to benefit entitlement as well as decreases. The project is expected to continue for two years, by which time we expect to achieve savings of approximately £74,000,000.I hope you find this reply helpful.