§ 23. Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what evidence he has as to whether the social security reforms have increased efficiency in the social security system.
§ Mr. ScottThere is considerable evidence that the social security reforms have resulted in benefits being directed more accurately and promptly. For example, income support (formerly supplementary benefit) error rates are down from 12 to 8 per cent. claims clearance times have fallen from six to five days and, for family credit (formerly family income supplement), claims clearance times have fallen from 18 to 16.5 working days.