§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) on what date the decision was taken to close Camborne benefits advice shop; and when the proposed closure will come into effect; [2174]
(2) which criteria were used in making the decision to reduce the service at Camborne benefits advice shop: and if she will make a statement. [2175]
§ Mr. FieldOne of our key aims is that delivery of service should be simpler and more efficient. No decision about changes will be made until an alternative has been carefully piloted and that the service meets our objectives. Queries on operational matters are for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. Peter Mathison. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Ms Candy Atherton, dated 1 July 1997:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking on what date the decision was taken to close Camborne benefits advice shop; when the proposed closure will come into effect and which criteria were used in making the decision to reduce the service at that advice shop.No decision has been made to close Camborne benefits advice shop. However, as you will be aware, following your meeting with the Cornwall Divisional Manager Peter Duke on 30th May, the licence to occupy the advice shop premises expires in December 1997.211WConsultation always takes place before a decision is taken to close a Benefits Agency (BA) advice shop. Preliminary consultation with customers and customers' representatives on the future of Camborne benefits advice shop and alternative possible ways of meeting customers' needs has already commenced.We are running a two month pilot exercise from 9 June to deliver an advice service from Camborne Employment Services Job Centre (ESJ) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For the duration of the trial, the advice shop will be closed on those days and open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The ESJ is situated five minutes walk from the advice shop.Following the trial, an evaluation of its effectiveness will take place, taking into account views of the public and their representatives. We are directing our resources to where they are needed most and BA Divisional Managers, using their local knowledge, will continue to review the service they provide to ensure that the needs of our customers are met and that the tax payer receives value for money.I hope you find this reply helpful.