HC Deb 30 October 1984 vol 65 cc958-9W
Mr. Loyden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about delays at local offices of his Department from organisations representing pensioners.

Mr. Newton

A number of representations have commented on various aspects of the emergency arrangements for maintaining payment of pensions and other benefits during the disruption caused by the strike of computer staff at our Newcastle office. Some of those emergency arrangements involved action by local offices. It is not possible to identify representations from pensioners' organisations relating specifically to delays at local offices, but if the hon. Member has a particular problem of delay in mind and cares to let me have details I shall be glad to look into it.

Mr. Loyden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he remains satisfied with the level of service provided for claimants at local offices of his Department.

Mr. Newton

Generally, yes, though I am aware of pressures caused by the additional work being undertaken by local offices because of the industrial dispute at our Department's Newcastle computer centre. If the hon. Member knows of any specific problems perhaps he would write to me with details.

Mr. Loyden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that present staffing levels at local offices of his Department are adequate to cope with the number of claimants attending those offices.

Mr. Newton

Generally, yes. The Departmental local office complementing system—a guide to which is in the Library—provides for the determination of local office complements, that is the number of staff required to cope with the estimated continuing work load, and their adjustment as work load levels change. This projection would include the number of claimants attending local offices. In normal circumstances, therefore, we are satisfied that there are sufficient staff to cope with the number of claimants attending social security local offices. Additional short-term pressures have arisen from the industrial dispute at some of the Department's computer centres, creating a need for emergency procedures in local offices; however, staff numbers are being increased to deal with the extra work load arising, and at present the number of staff in post is substantially higher than the 1984–85 complement.