§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ensure that staffing reductions in the Department for Work and Pensions will not reduce access to the Social Funds at weekends or out-of-hours for the destitute; and [HL3978]
Whether they have made an assessment of the likely effect of staffing reductions at the Department for Work and Pensions on the speed and accuracy of future benefit payments. [HL3980]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)We are still in the early stages of planning the announced staffing reduction and there are currently no proposals regarding specific areas of the business. However, one of our key priorities will be to ensure that we maintain the quality of our front line services, including those used by our most vulnerable customers, such as the Social Fund.
§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
How staffing reductions at the Department for Work and Pensions are likely to affect the rate of 121WA errors in the administration of the Child Support Agency. [HL3979]
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamStaff reductions are intended to come from operational efficiencies following significant investment in new computer and telephony systems supplied to us by EDS. We anticipate an improvement in the accuracy of work undertaken by the Child Support Agency.