HC Deb 23 July 1981 vol 9 cc223-4W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will clarify the Government's intentions with regard to the retention or otherwise of the Welsh regional office of the Department of Health and Social Services under its own controller in Cardiff; if any reorganisation is planned, what is the time scale and the number of jobs affected; and what discussions have taken place with relevant trade unions.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

As part of a review of the efficiency of the Department's social security regional organisation I have authorised a phased reduction of the number of functional regions from 12 to seven. This is, in my view, a necessary measure to reflect a wide range of procedural changes we are considering which will have the general effect of devolving to local offices certain responsibilities at present falling at regional level. Discussions have begun with trade unions at departmental level. The only step which has so far been taken is to announce a timetable, linked to the retirement plans of the present twelve regional controllers, for changes of personnel at that level. In the case of Wales, it is my intention that, with effect from 1 August, control of the central office at Cardiff and of the regional office for the South-Western region at Bristol shall be the responsibility of one senior officer at controller level, and an appointment has been made. It will be the responsibility of the new controller to formulate proposals, in consultation with the trade union representatives concerned, for the most efficient way of performing the functions at regional level for the whole area for which he will be responsible, including the most efficient deployment and location of the staff. Since these plans have to be drawn up, I cannot yet say what changes in the numbers and location of staff will result. I expect the reorganisation to be completed by the spring of 1983. The bulk of the staff in the regional organisation are employed in local offices; in Wales the approved complements are 4,004 in local offices and 266 in the central office.