HC Deb 19 December 1988 vol 144 cc121-2W
53. Mr. Knapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is being done to improve levels of consistency and accuracy in the payment of benefits.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Improvements in the benefit service are being sought and achieved in a number of ways. Standards of promptness and accuracy are defined nationally and turned into performance targets for each management unit, with a view to more consistent and higher standards of service. It is clear that since the benefit reforms earlier this year, claims are now being processed more quickly and accurately. The Department expects to secure further improvements through its planned programme of computerisation over the next few years.

Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many young persons in each local district have lost entitlement to any benefit after the end of the eight weeks' bridging allowance.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

I regret that the information is not available.