§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proposals he has for the future of pension centre offices; and if he will make a statement. [174042]
§ Paul HolmesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement about the future of Burnley Pension Centre. [174159]
§ Malcolm Wicks[holding answers 18 May 2004 and 20 May 2004]: The Pension Service structure, including pension centres, is being reviewed as part of a programme of efficiency measures. The next stage of planning is currently being developed and more information will be available within one month.
The programme will allow us to complete the task we set out to achieve when we introduced The Pension Service and to meet the DWP budget challenge. It also supports our commitment to meeting targets and continuing to introduce new and better ways of working, supported by improved technology and smarter processes.
This will enable us to deliver some very real improvements in our service to customers and in job satisfaction for our people.