§ Mr. Alan HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 31 October,Official Reportcolumn 245,what progress has been made in changes to benefit delivery in Yorkshire, the west country and east London and Anglia directorates; when he expects proposals for change to be submitted by the consortiums of private companies; and what elements he expects to be run by the private sector. [16669]
§ Mr. Roger EvansNo changes to benefit delivery have been made in the relevant areas.
The partnerships between three private companies or consortia and the Benefits Agency area directorates are expected to start in early May and last for approximately 12 months.
The partnership period will give the private companies or consortia the opportunity to work closely with managers and staff, enabling them to understand Benefits Agency business. The private companies or consortia involved in the partnerships will not run the area directorates, or any other part of the agency during the partnership period.
530WBy the end of the partnership period, the private companies or consortia will be expected to provide proposals on how the agency's business can be delivered more efficiently, effectively and economically, including the possibility of further parts of the operation being run by the private sector. Proposals can be submitted at any time during the partnership period.
Until the private companies or consortia submit their proposals, it is not possible to determine what changes may be made.