§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what assessment she has made of the advantages of retaining the social fund section of the Newry Social Security Office, and re-organising the other sections in the southern region; [31736]
(2) what consultations have taken place regarding the rationalisation of Social Fund offices in the southern region with (a) elected representatives, (b) consumer groups, (c) community organisations, (d) representatives of client groups and (e) others. [31737]
§ Mr. WorthingtonResponsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Social Security Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Chris Thompson. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
671WLetter from Chris Thompson to Mr. Seamus Mallon, dated 2 March 1998:
I have been asked to reply to your further Parliamentary Questions about the administration of the Social Fund in the Social Security Agency's South District.Ref: 31736The Centralisation of the administration of social fund has been pilotted in two Districts. This has proved that the planned efficiencies can be realised and also that the quality of work can be improved. The Agency is therefore convinced that the centralisation of social fund work in South District will provide a better service to the public and better value for money.Newry Social Security Office was initially considered as one of the potential locations up to the time of the fire which destroyed that office in mid-July 1997. The temporary premises at Canal Street were ruled out as an option because of insufficient space to accommodate the Social Fund processing unit.Ref: 31737On 29 January 1997, South District issued a survey questionnaire to 92 public representatives. The survey formed part of a review of services within the District and included a section related to Social Fund. The questionnaire was issued to voluntary, statutory and community organisations as well as legal and political representatives. A total of 45 replies were received. The SDLP constituency office in Armagh was sent a questionnaire but did not reply.In addition, on an office by office basis, Banbridge, Dungannon, and Portadown Offices record that they have discussed the centralisation at liaison meetings with voluntary, statutory and community organisations during the course of the past year. Consultations have also taken place with District and Central Trade Union side.Finally, the District Management team has met Newry and Mourne District Council and individual Councillors to discuss the issue.I hope this information is helpful.